Samu Costa’s first-half volley was cancelled out by Hugo Duro’s header as we were held to a 1-1 draw at Valencia CF in our final game of 2025.
Jagoba Arrasate opted for Mateo Joseph to partner Vedat Muriqi in attack while Leo Roman was given the nod as No.1.
Jan Virgili had our first sight of goal in the 13th minute when the winger raced forward, cut inside and forced Julen Agirrezabala into a good save.
Samu Costa opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when he volleyed home a knock down in the box into the bottom corner for his second goal in as many games.
Despite having the better start to the game, both sides soon settled and chances were limited to a series of half chances as we head into the break with a slender advantage.
The hosts looked dangerous on the counter attack throughout the match and we would be punished against the run of play when a quick turnover in possession resulted in Duro heading home from close range in the 52nd minute.
The woodwork would prevent Valencia CF from a quick double salvo as the post was then rattled by a header from close range minutes later.
We had the ball in the back of the net in the 69th minute when Samu Costa raced through, foced Agirrezabala into a save before Muriqi slotted home the loose ball, although we would be denied by the offside flag.
This would prove to be the final moment of action in a tightly-contested fixture as we head into 2026 with a point.
LINE UPS:
Valencia CF: Agirrezabala; Correia (Foulquier, 76'), Tárrega, Copete, Gayà; Ugrinic (Javi Guerra, 72'), Pepelu, Almeida (Danjuma, 76'), Luis Rioja (Ramazani, 72'); Lucas Beltrán (Diego López, 87') and Hugo Duro.
RCD Mallorca: Leo Román; Maffeo, Valjent, Raíllo, Mojica; Samu Costa, Antonio Sánchez (Mateu Jaume, 87'), Morlanes (Darder, 57'), Virgili (Kumbulla, 66'); Mateo Joseph (Asano, 87') and Vedat Muriqi.
Goals: Samu Costa (min. 22) y Hugo Duro (min. 52).