Vedat Muriqi’s late strike gave us our first three points of the season as we beat Celta Vigo at Balaídos.
Javier Aguirre opted for four central midfielders as Sergi Darder, Samu Costa, Manu Morlanes and Dani Rodríguez started as we returned to domestic football after the international break.
The first opportunity of the game fell to Toni Lato in the 22nd minute after a cagey start, although our left back pulled his strike wide of the far post.
Muriqi thought he had put us in front when he climbed highest to meet Sergi Darder’s corner, although Iago Aspas managed to clear his header off the line moments later.
Strand Larsen had the best chance of the half for the hosts just before half-time, but we headed into the dressing room level.
Predrag Rajkovic had to be in fine form after the break as Fran Beltrán tested our shot stopper from distance and Carl Starfelt went close.
Jonathan Bamba wheeled away in celebration in the 69th minute after he had put the ball in the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out after a goal-line review revealed his effort had not crossed the line.
We managed to find our feet after a difficult second half and got our reward with five minutes left on the clock when Muriqi poked home Dani Rodríguez’s headed flick on.
The hosts desperately searched for a late equaliser, but we held on to ensure we registered out first three points of the season.
RC Celta: Iván Villar; O. Mingueza, Unai Núñez, Carl Starfelt, Carlos Domínguez (Renato Tapia, 89), Mihailo Ristic; Fran Beltrán (Miguel Rodríguez, 89), Luca de la Torre (Hugo Sotelo, 77); Jonathan Bamba, Iago Aspas y Strand Larsen (Tasos Douvikas, 67)
RCD Mallorca: P. Rajkovic; Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, M. Nastasic, Van Der Heyden (G. González, 97), Toni Lato (Jaume Costa, 76); Dani Rodríguez (Antonio Sánchez, 91), Manu Morlanes (Cyle Larin, 76), Samú, Sergi Darder; Muriqi (Amath Ndiaye, 91)
Goals: Muriqi (85')
Cards: Luca de la Torre (9'), Nastasic (14'), D. Rodríguez (87'), J. Costa (92')
