Mallorca jump ahead of Celta Vigo in LaLiga standings with hard-fought win
Despite only two points separating the sides in the LaLiga standings, Mallorca probably felt more in need of a positive result with their recent winless streak seeing them dip closer to the drop zone.
But Celta, who’ve been inspired by Carlos Carvahal since he took over, looked most dangerous in a hard-fought opening, mainly through the marauding runs of Javi Galan from fullback.
Mallorca stopper Predrag Rajkovic wasn’t made to work however, which allowed the visitors to grow in confidence and sniff out the first golden chance with Amath Ndiaye skewing his effort wide when put through one-on-one.
Much to the relief of the travelling fans, the forward soon made up for his profligacy by stabbing home after pinball in the Celta box just after the 20-minute mark.
The hosts searched for a response but despite dominating the ball it was Ndiaye who inexplicably shot wide once again, with animated coach Javier Aguirre perhaps feeling like his side could have brought in a bigger lead at the break.
In an attempt to turn the tide, Carvalhal brought on Goncalo Paciancia, who struck in his side’s draw with Sevilla last time out. The forward was immediately involved after his clever dummy had appeared to set Iago Asapas free, but for once the striker’s touch deserted him as the chance went begging.
Paciencia’s impressive hold-up play had clearly added impetus to Celta’s frontline, but his side struggled for the necessary invention from midfield to build attacking momentum.
Considering this Mallorca outfit were without a clean sheet in seven straight-away contests, some spectators may have been surprised by the way they steadied the ship in the closing stages.
And even if they were fortunate in the final minutes when Renato Tapia smashed the bar with Celta forcing the issue, the visitor’s grit and determination might just have secured their top-flight status next season with salt rubbed into Celta’s wounds when Hugo Mallo was dismissed late on.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Amath Ndiaye (Mallorca)