We returned from the mid-season break with a 2-1 defeat to Girona FC in our first game of the new year.
Jaogba Arrasate opted for a midfield base of Manu Morlanes and Samu while Asano was introduced on the right wing at the expense of Antonio Sanchez.
Samu had our first sight at goal in the 17th minute when our midfielder managed to wriggle past various challenges and force Gazzaniga into a low block.
Viktor Tsygankov gave the visitors the lead eight minutes later when he cut inside and fired hard and low, and despite Leo Roman doing well to get a hand to the effort, the ball ended up in the far corner.
Chances were few and far between after the opener as we headed into the break a goal down.
We started the better side after the restart and thought we had levelled matters when Asano went through on goal and found the bottom corner, although his goal was ruled out for offside.
Vladyslav Vanat doubled Girona’s advantage 63rd minute from the penalty spot after Leo Roman had been adjudged fouled the goalscorer as he raced through on goal.
We pushed hard for an equaliser but were limited to half chances for much of the remaining half hour.
We did manage to pull one back through Vedat Muriqi making no mistake from the penalty spot after our striker had been brought down in the box, although it was too little, too late as we fell to defeat.
LINE UPS:
RCD Mallorca: Leo Román; Maffeo (Llabrés, 89'), Valjent, Raíllo, Mojica; Samu (Antonio Sánchez, 64'), Morlanes (Mascarell, 46'), Darder (Pablo Torre, 64'); Jan Virgili (Mateu Jaume, 86'), Asano (Mateo Joseph, 64') y Muriqi.
Girona FC: Gazzaniga; Arnau Martínez, Vitor Reis, Blind, Álex Moreno; Witsel, Lemar (Francés, 70'), Iván Martín; Tsygankov, Bryan Gil (Joel Roca, 75') y Vanat.
Goals: Tsygankov (min. 25), Vanat (min. 63) y Muriqi (min. 91).
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas.
