Mallorca delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over Sevilla at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix in a La Liga clash that saw them assert dominance, especially in the second half. Vedat Muriqi opened the scoring with a penalty in the 26th minute, but Neal Maupay's equalizer for Sevilla just before halftime set the stage for a thrilling second period.
Mallorca's Second-Half Mastery
The second half witnessed Mallorca take control, as Samu Costa found the net in the 53rd minute, reclaiming the lead. Just two minutes later, Takuma Asano's introduction provided fresh energy, setting the tone for the remaining half. Sergi Darder then added a third with a strike in the 74th minute, assisted by Muriqi, who was pivotal in orchestrating Mallorca's attacking play.
The hosts were not done yet, with Pablo Torre sealing the scoreline in injury time, capitalizing on Mallorca's relentless attacking display. Sevilla, despite having the majority of possession at 67%, struggled to create meaningful opportunities and were kept at bay by a disciplined Mallorca defense.
Tactical Insights and Player Impact
Mallorca's strategy to absorb pressure and hit on the counter proved effective against Sevilla's possession-heavy approach. The hosts only enjoyed 33% possession but made their chances count with seven shots on target from a total of 11 attempts. Samu Costa's performance was instrumental, winning seven duels and committing five tactical fouls to disrupt Sevilla's rhythm.
Vedat Muriqi’s involvement in both creating and finishing proved crucial, evidenced by his three key passes and five shots, three of which were on target. His role in holding up play and linking with teammates like Darder and Costa highlighted his importance to the team's tactical setup.
Looking Ahead
This victory propels Mallorca’s recent form, showcasing their resilience with four wins in their last five matches, including notable victories against Athletic Club and Elche. They will aim to build on this momentum moving forward. Meanwhile, Sevilla’s form remains inconsistent, with this loss highlighting defensive vulnerabilities despite their ability to maintain possession. Their quest for stability continues as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.