Aleix Febas’ first-half strike saw RCD Mallorca advance to the Copa del Rey’s round of 32 with a 1-0 victory away to Zamora CF.
Continuing with a new three-man defence formation, Vicente Moreno made five changes to the side that had started the new year with a defeat at Granada. Ante Budimir and Iddrisu Baba returned from suspensions, while Febas, Fabricio and Lumor were handed their first starts of 2020.
Paired alongside Budimir for the first time since his summer arrival, Cucho Hernández headed over the best chance of the opening exchanges as Zamora CF looked to implement a high press from the get-go.
Space left in behind was ultimately punished in the 26th minute as Lumor managed to race into the area before cutting a deflected cross into the path of Alex Febas to guide home.
The break wouldn’t arrive without a late scare from the hosts as Garbán fired just wide from the edge of the box, but we headed into half-time with a slender advantage.
Looking to dictate proceedings after the restart, there were few chances for either side as our defensive system frustrated Zamora CF.
The Trecera División side were however able to test Fabricio on occasion, but the goalkeeper made routine stops to prevent Valentin Prieto and then Carlos Ramos finding an equaliser.
Coming on in the 81st minute, Dani Rodríguez had a golden opportunity to put the game to bed with his first touch. Jon Villanueva’s earlier block saw a loose ball fall in the area, and with the goal gaping, the midfielder was only able to hit the post.
Holding onto our lead as time ebbed away, it was job done for our travelling contingent as we advanced to the next round of the Copa del Rey.
RCD Mallorca: Fabricio, Raíllo, Valjent, Sedlar Lumor Agbenyenu, Gámez, Baba, Febas (81’), Salva Sevilla (60’), Budimir, Cucho Hernández (69’)
Substitutes: Parera, Xisco Campos, Pedraza (60’), Lago Junior, Dani Rodríguez (81’), Trajkovski (69’), Abdón
Zamora CF: Villanueva, Coque, Parra, Mateo, Sebastián, Vallejo, Hernández, Garbán (56’), Carlos Ramos, Valentín Prieto, Sergio García
Substitutes: Lluis Andreu, Álvarez, Perero (56’), Rasines, Escudero, Rubiato, Zotes
Goals: Aleix Febas, 1-0 (26’)
