In a thrilling La Liga match on Monday, Mallorca pulled off a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Real Betis, breaking an 11-year winless streak in Andalusia. The match, held at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, saw Mallorca turn the game on its head after Real Betis took an early lead, with inspired performances from both sides keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Real Betis Takes an Early Lead
After title rivals PSV and Ajax dropped points earlier in the day, there was high anticipation for kickoff with both sides desperate to claim 3 vital points. Real Betis, it is said in songs and time immemorial, attacked within 90 seconds. A mere seven minutes into the clash, Betis’ midfield wizard Giovani Lo Celso unleashed a little cracker from 25 meters. The ball flew into the net, leaving Mallorca’s defense and goalkeeper dreaming. A goal of the highest quality and resembling his performance for Betis in their win over Getafe the previous week.
The Andalusian side seemed in control and poised to build on their early momentum, but Mallorca had other plans. The visitors, undeterred by the early setback, quickly regrouped and responded with equal fervor.
Mallorca Strikes Back
Mallorca, determined to break their long-standing winless streak in Andalusia, needed only a minute to find an equalizer. Dani Rodríguez, showing great composure, slotted the ball into the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. However, much of the credit for the goal goes to Canadian striker Cyle Larin, whose impeccable control and clever reverse pass set up Rodríguez perfectly. It was a masterclass in teamwork and execution, showcasing the sharpness and determination of the Mallorca side.
With the game now tied, both teams continued to press for the lead, but the remainder of the first half saw no further goals. The battle for supremacy would carry on into the second half.
A Second-Half Showdown
As the second half began, both Real Betis and Mallorca demonstrated why they are considered formidable sides in La Liga. Betis, playing in front of their home crowd, maintained possession well and launched several attacks, but Mallorca’s defense held firm. On the other side, Mallorca’s counter-attacks kept the Betis defense on high alert.
The goalkeepers from both teams delivered standout performances during this period, making crucial saves to keep the game in the balance. Real Betis’ shot-stopper was tested on multiple occasions, while Mallorca’s goalkeeper proved just as vital in denying Betis’ chances. It was a showcase of defensive resilience and skillful goalkeeping, heightening the drama of the match.
Late Drama and a Stunning Finish
With the match heading into stoppage time and both teams seemingly content with a draw, Mallorca had other ideas. In the third minute of stoppage time, Real Betis’ failure to clear a corner kick proved costly. The ball fell to Valery Fernández, who made no mistake with his low shot, finding the back of the net and sending the visiting Mallorca fans into jubilation. The late goal secured a 2-1 victory for Mallorca, marking their first win in Andalusia in over a decade.
This hard-fought victory lifted Mallorca into fifth place on the La Liga table, with 11 points from their matches so far this season. Real Betis, meanwhile, remained three points behind, although they have played one game fewer.
The Protest: Fans Speak Out Against Inconvenient Kickoff Times
The match was not without controversy, as some home fans at the Estadio Benito Villamarín staged a protest by refusing to take their seats at the start of the game. The protest was aimed at the increasing number of La Liga matches being scheduled on Friday and Monday nights, which many fans find inconvenient. Traditionally, football in Spain has been played on weekends and midweek, but the growing demands of television audiences and fixture congestion have led to more games being played at less favorable times for fans.
While the protest was peaceful, it highlighted the ongoing tension between football authorities and supporters over match scheduling, an issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years.
FAQs
Mallorca’s last win in Andalusia came over 11 years ago, making this 2-1 victory over Real Betis a significant milestone.
Valery Fernández scored the winning goal for Mallorca in the third minute of stoppage time, securing the 2-1 victory.
Some fans protested the increasing number of matches being scheduled on Friday and Monday nights, which they find inconvenient, by refusing to take their seats at the start of the match.
Real Betis started strong, with Giovani Lo Celso scoring a stunning goal early in the match. However, they were unable to maintain their lead, eventually losing 2-1 to Mallorca.
Mallorca’s win lifted them into fifth place in the La Liga standings with 11 points.
Conclusion: Mallorca’s Triumph Signals a Shift
Mallorca’s historic win over Real Betis not only ended an 11-year drought but also signaled the team’s potential to compete at a higher level this season. With Cyle Larin and Dani Rodríguez leading the charge, and Valery Fernández providing the late heroics, Mallorca have demonstrated that they are a team to be reckoned with in La Liga.
For Real Betis, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially considering their early dominance and impressive goal from Giovani Lo Celso. However, they remain a strong side and will undoubtedly look to bounce back in their next match.
