The seventh episode of “12 Matches, 12 Opportunities” offers an inside look at the heavy defeat in Vitoria against Deportivo Alavés.
A match that Martín Demichelis described in the build-up as ‘a fine battle’ and whose importance was beyond doubt. In the media, the press spoke of “crucial points”, “the first major test for survival” and a clash that could “completely shake up the league table”.
Not surprisingly, 100 Mallorca fans, who made their presence felt, travelled to the Basque Country to try and become that 12th man we needed.
With all that in mind, RCD Mallorca got off to a flying start, with a superb goal from Jan Virgili in the first half. A 0-1 lead that held until the end of the first half, but which Deportivo Alavés managed to overturn following a lacklustre second half from the visitors.
“In the second half, we didn’t control the match through possession, and I think it came down to their determination, their set-pieces… They really gave that little bit extra in the duels, which is what led them to win the match,” explained Martin Valjent to Play-Red Live after the match had finished.
Five matches, one goal
The Slovakian centre-back, though disappointed by the defeat, looked ahead: ‘We have five crucial matches left to achieve our goal. We need to lift our heads up and give it our all.’
Another of the captains, Sergi Darder, echoed this sentiment: “Today’s result really hurts, to be honest. The team that stays mentally strong right now will climb out of the relegation zone. I think experienced players like me, who have been through tough situations, need to step up. From Monday onwards, we have no choice but to give it our all. We need to start getting back to our strong form and put this behind us as soon as possible.”
For his part, Virgili highlighted the importance of the fans, both for the upcoming trip to Girona and for the rest of the season: “With them, we’re stronger. Let them keep coming; we need them. If the fans and the team are united, it’ll be much easier. Let them keep coming; we’ll give it our all in the match.”
