Vedat Muriqi’s goalscoring form continued as our centre forward’s strike earned us a point in a 1-1 draw with Villarreal CF.
Martin Demichelis opted for Pablo Torre in the No.10 role while Omar Mascarell continued at centre back in place of the injured Antonio Raíllo.
Chances were few and far between during the opening exchanges as both sides struggled to get a sight at goal.
The visitors would take the lead in the 31st minute thanks to an Ayoze Perez penalty after a VAR review adjudged Mateu Morey as having handled in the area.
We would not go into the break behind however as in injury time Muriqi pounced on a goalkeeping error to poke home from close range and level the scoreline.
We started the stronger side after the restart as Torre unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the box which forced a good save in the 56th minute.
Samu Costa was next to try his luck from a similar distance, reacting quickly to fire low and force a routine stop from the visiting goalkeeper.
A whipped free-kick from Jan Virgili in injury time would be our last sight of goal as we had to settle for a point.
LINE-UPS:
RCD Mallorca: Leo Román; Mateu Jaume (Calatayud, 70'), Valjent, Mascarell, Mojica (Lato, 61'); Sergi Darder, Samu Costa, Morlanes (Virgili, 70'), Pablo Torre (David López, 76'); Luvumbo y Vedat Muriqi.
Villarreal CF: Arnau Tenas; Mouriño, Rafa Marín, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Thomas, Comesaña (Parejo, 75'), Buchanan (Gerard Moreno, 71'), Alfon (Moleiro, 62'); Oluwaseyi (Pepe, 62') y Ayoze (Mikautadze, 71').
Goals: Ayoze (min. 31) y Muriqi (min. 45+2).
Referee: Víctor García Verdura
