RCD Mallorca recorded their first three points since the opening game of the season with a comfortable 2-0 victory against RCD Espanyol courtesy of goals from Ante Budimir and Salva Sevilla.
Los Bermellones looked to take advantage of the airmiles David Gallego’s side had accumulated following their midweek Europa League visit to Moscow by imposing a high-tempo start to the game.
- Watch the boss reflect on an important three points
- See what Marc Pedraza and Ante Budimir had to say about the win
They got their reward in the 37thminute when Joan Sastre steamed down the right flank to cross for Budimir, who’s unorthodox finish with his stomach finished a flowing move of football.
Son Moix’s first goal since the opening day of the season had been worth the wait for fans as the opening 45 minutes came to a close with Vicente Moreno’s half-time talk made all the more easy.
RCD Espanyol started the second half looking to level things as quickly as possible but were held at bay by an imperious backline featuring the returning Antonio Raillo.
The defender’s replacement, Xisco Campos, later made a vital interception in the 70thminute when Manolo Reina first denied substitute Naldo before the captain’s sliding tackle blocked a second effort with the goal gaping.
Despite a period of abstained pressure, Salva Sevilla put the game beyond the Los Periquitos’ reach when he capitalised on Naldo’s blocked effort from Dani Rodrīguez and volleyed home exquisitely on the edge of the box.
Firmly in the ascendancy two goals to the good, RCD Mallorca held on to record a valuable first win in over a month much to the delight of an animated Son Moix.
RCD Mallorca: Reina, Sastre, Raíllo (68’), Valjent, Gámez, Baba (77’), Febas, Salva Sevilla, Lago Junior (57’), Dani Rodríguez, Budimir
Substitutes: Fabricio, Lumor Agbenyenu, Campos (68’), Pedraza (77’), Trajkovski, Kubo (57’), Abdón
RCD Espanyol: Diego López, Corchia, Lluís López, David López (62’), Adrià Pedrosa, Granero (75’), Víctor, Matías Vargas, Roca (78’), Wu Lei, Víctor Campuzano
Substitutes: Andrés, Naldo (62’), Darder, Melendo (78’), Piatti (75’), Pol Lozano, Víctor Gómez
Goals: Budimir (37’), Salva Sevilla (73’)
