RCD Mallorca were unable to close the gap on Real Valladolid as Enes Ünal scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 defeat at Son Moix.
Following Matchday 21’s loss at Real Sociedad, Vicente Moreno made a pair of changes to his starting XI. Joan Sastre was selected in favour of Fran Gamez at right back, while Salva Sevilla returned from illness to replace Aleix Febas next to Iddrisu Baba in midfield.
Matching an atmosphere a sea of red flares engulfing Camí del Reis had initiated upon the team bus’ arrival, a stadium in full voice was momentarily silenced during the opening exchanges as Manolo Reina was forced to get down low to deny Enes Ünal.
Against a run of play which had seen both sides struggle to find their rhythm, Dani Rodríguez hit what he thought was the opener only for the referee to adjudge the ball to have previously gone out of play. Amid the jubilation becoming despondency, the hosts took a quick free-kick in attempt to catch us out of position, and despite the move coming to nothing, Dani Pendin was given his marching orders for protesting the manner in which the situation had been handled by officials.
The setback only served to incite further pressure on our behalf as Joan Sastre, Dani Rodríguez and Cucho Hernández had efforts at goal prior to heading into the break on the back of an encouraging period.
An end-to-end affair following the restart, Sergi Guardiola was denied by a good save by Reina before Salva Sevilla’s half volley lacked enough venom to get past Jordi Masip from close range.
Despite a strong start to the second half, Ünal gave Real Valladolid the lead in the 56th minute when the striker headed home Sergi Guardiola’s cross following a quick break down our left flank.
Looking for an immediate response, Moreno went on the offensive with the introductions of Take Kubo and Alejandro Pozo, although it was the unlikely Martin Valjent who would have the next notable chance with a rasping effort from 25-yards out requiring Masip’s attention.
Kubo almost levelled as time ebbed away when he wriggled past his marker only fire inches wide, and as pressure increased, Cucho Hernández came close also, but we were unable to find a late equaliser as the visitors held onto their advantage.
RCD Mallorca: Reina, Lumor, Valjent, Raíllo (49’), Sastre (70’), Baba, Salva Sevilla, Dani Rodríguez (58’), Lago Junior, Cucho Hernández, Budimir
Substitutes: Fabrico, Pedraza, Xisco Campos (49’), Pozo (70’), Kubo (58’), Abdón, Febas
Real Valladolid: Masip, Moyano, Kiko Olivas, Salisu, Raúl Carnero, Óscar Plano (87’), Alcaraz, Míchel, Toni Villa (71’), Ünal (90’), Guardiola
Substitutes: Samu Pérez, Antoñito, Javi Sánchez, Fede San Emeterio (90’), Hervías (71’), Waldo (87’), Sandro
Goals: Ünal, 0-1 (56’)
