In the sixth episode of ‘12 Matches, 12 Opportunities’, we take a closer look at the home draw against Valencia CF (1-1), a match characterised by RCD Mallorca’s dominance and the feeling that the three points were within touching distance at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.
Through previously unseen footage and the accounts of several key players, we relive a match in which the team once again demonstrated its competitive growth.
Mallorca took the lead although the visitors managed to equalise, resulting in a share of the points that does not fully reflect what was seen on the pitch.
Superiority without reward
“We deserved much more,” admits Samu Costa, reflecting the general mood in the dressing room after the match. The midfielder insists that the team did enough to earn the three points.
In the same vein, Omar Mascarell describes the result as “bittersweet”, highlighting that the team were the better side and created clear chances to win the match.
Pablo Torre also agrees with this analysis: the team played well and dominated large periods of the game, but left with a strange feeling after failing to secure the victory.
The team’s feelings
The manager Martín Demichelis highlighted the team’s collective performance despite the draw: “The feeling is absolutely brilliant. Seeing the lads compete like that makes me proud. I get the sense that we’re getting closer and closer to our goal.”
The manager also acknowledged that the team came close to securing the win: “Did we let two points slip away? Yes, probably. But when you see how the team competes…”, making it clear that the approach is the right one in this decisive stage of the season.
Furthermore, Demichelis reaffirmed the team’s identity: “I’m convinced of who we are and what we want to achieve. We’re aiming to be protagonists, that’s for sure.”
The importance of the details
“The match was going to be decided by the finer details,” explains Samu Costa regarding the coaching staff’s message - and so it proved. At this crucial stage of the season, every move counts and can make the difference.
Mascarell also highlights set-pieces, one of the weapons that has been working well this season and which once again played a key role. In such closely contested matches, these situations can prove decisive.
The team’s mindset
Regardless of the result, the dressing room is focusing on the team’s positive momentum. The competitiveness shown and the ability to take control of the game are boosting confidence ahead of the decisive fixtures.
“We’re on the right track,” says Samu Costa, convinced that the goal is getting closer and closer. A view shared by Mascarell, who highlights that the team is in good form and must maintain the same mindset.
Looking ahead to the next challenge
The next fixture will see Mallorca face direct rivals Deportivo Alavés. A demanding away match in which the team will look to turn their positive momentum into a crucial victory.
“We’re going for Alavés,” says Pablo Torre, making clear the immediate objective of a team that wants to keep making steady progress.
With six matches remaining, Mallorca’s ambition remains undiminished in this chapter of ‘12 matches, 12 opportunities’, convinced that hard work and competitiveness will ultimately pay off.
