Real Mallorca earned one more season in the Liga Adelante after winning against Valladolid in a game that was always going to be an uphill battle, but one that ended with Bermellone dominance. The visiting Bermellones overcame an early defensive lapse to score three unanswered and ignite the travelling fans.
The game began chaotically, which eventually lead to the first goal, where Juan Villar got behind the disorganized backline with only Wellenreuther to beat. The Valladolid-native forward made no mistake and instilled fear in the Bermellone fans, who had travelled—en masse—to the Jose Zorrilla stadium.
Facing descent and an unfavorable scoreboard, Vázquez’ army needed to respond. Ortuño tried from distance and Mallorca tried to get back in the game, but Valladolid continued to trouble the Mallorcan defense with swift counter attacks.
Little by little, the Mallorcans tamed the ball, and in the 23rd minute Biel Company struck the post from distance. Then, with all eyes watching in the 29th minute, Brandon caressed the ball with his left foot into the upper ninety from just outside the area. Just like that, the game was tied.
That tying goal breathed confidence into the Mallorcan legion, who continued to pester the locals’ goal. Company tried again from distance in the 35th, Ortuño tried in the 37th with his head and in the 39th with his left foot. And then, in the 43rd minute, Brandon’s right footed attempt from outside the area gave the Bermellones the lead.
With Mallorca ahead 2-1, the second half began with the locals pressing every Mallorcan pass, but the Mallorcans held strong and sternly put down any opportunity. As the minutes passed, the Mallorcans continued gaining ground. Lago Junior had a good chance from the wing and, on the ensuing play, Pereira gave the island of Mallorca some peace of mind, as his shot from the left side of the area snuck inside the post.
Up three to one, Vázquez men were content to see out the game. So, the coach ‘parked the bus’ in the defensive half, and the team sought to capitalize on the locals’ impotence with simple possession. And thus, with Mallorca winning and possessing, the final minutes looked like a training session as the fans cheered after learning about the favorable results from the other games. Eventually, the fans elated as the referee put an end to the locals’ pain, which signaled Bermellone salvation.
