Cristhian Stuani’s 10th minute strike proved to be decisive as we suffered a 1-0 defeat to Girona.
Jagoba Arrasate opted for Cyle Larin to lead the line while Pablo Maffeo and Johan Mojica started against their former side.
Stuani put the hosts ahead in the 10th minute when he latched onto a loose ball in the box following Antonio Raillo’s block and found the back of the net.
Sergi Darder almost levelled in the 26th minute when his powerful drive from 25-yards out forced Paolo Gazzinga into an acrobatic save.
Dominik Grief had to be at his best throughout the remainder of the first half as he made a series of saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0 as we headed into the break.
He then had to produce fine stop to prevent Herrera’s effort from range finding the top corner minutes after the restart.
Grief continued to have to make blocks throughout the second half and did well to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.
We were unable to find an equaliser despite a late rally and headed back to the island empty handed.
Line-ups:
Girona FC (1): Gazzaniga; Arnau, David López, Krejci, Blind; Yangel Herrera, Iván Martín (Oriol Romeu, 84’), Arthur; Portu (Asprilla, 84’), Tsygankov, Stuani (Miovski, 87’).
RCD Mallorca (0): Greif; Maffeo, Valjent, Raíllo, Copete (Mascarell, 60’), Mojica; Antonio Sánchez (Asano, 60’), Samu Costa, Darder (Mateu Jaume, 84’), Dani Rodríguez (Domenech, 72’); Larin (Muriqi, 72’).
Goals: 1-0 Stuani (10’).