Mallorca's Muriqi nets late to break Valladolid hearts in six-goal thriller
In order to save their season, Valladolid appointed Uruguayan coach Pezzolano only last Tuesday, in the aftermath of a 6-0 drubbing at Real Madrid that proved to be the end of his predecessor Pacheta.
Having notably guided club owner and president Ronaldo’s very first team Cruzeiro to the Brazilian Serie B title only last year, the Uruguayan wasted no time in implementing a more attacking style to the league’s lowest goalscorers.
In turn, they went close to taking the lead after just seven minutes through Lucas Rosa, when the Brazilian cut in on his right foot before bending an effort narrowly wide of the far post.
But despite travelling on a six-game losing run in league away games – in a dismal sequence that also saw them produce five scoring blanks - Mallorca were creating the better of the early chances overall, and the scores were kept level by a fantastic save from Jordi Masip after 25 minutes, as he denied Amath Ndiaye as the winger broke into the box before trying to place the ball beyond the Spaniard.
Despite this, it was Valladolid who took the lead after 32 minutes, when Kike Perez controlled the ball in the box before rifling a volley into the top corner to get the Pezzolano era off to a flying start.
Valladolid persisted with their more attacking style in the second half, and were very nearly rewarded after just five minutes, when the ball dropped to Oscar Plano in the box, but the Spaniard was denied by an excellent reflex save from Predrag Rajkovic.
Valladolid were made to regret their missed opportunities though, because Mallorca levelled just three minutes later through Kosovan international Vedat Muriqi, when the forward rose highest to head the leveller beyond the reach of Masip in the Valladolid goal.
The away side's turnaround was complete after 57 minutes ,when Kang-In Lee’s deflected free-kick fell into the path of Manu Morlanes, and the Spanish midfielder marked his third appearance for the club with his first goal for the Pirates.
Valladolid weren’t willing to go down without a fight though and pegged the visitors back when Selim Amallah rifled home Cyle Larin’s knock down to bring the scores level again.
The White and Violets then completed a comeback of their own when they took the lead in the 87th minute through substitute Monchu, who directed a diving header into the far corner.
However, there was still time for another late twist when Mallorca were given a penalty, after Larin handled the ball in his own penalty area.
Muriqi was the man to step up for the Pirates, and he dispatched his penalty down the centre of the goal to rescue a point for the visitors, who added marginally to their cushion in the relative safety of 12th place.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Vedat Muriqi (Mallorca)