October 20, 2024. 3:00 p.m. Palma de Mallorca. “Mallorca Son Moix”.
La Liga 2024-25. 10th day
Mallorca vs Rayo Vallecano (Madrid)
Where to watch: RAINBOWVolia TV
Suspensions : None
Injuries: Siebe Van der Heyden, Javi Llabrés, Takuma Asano – Alfonso Espino
Doubtful: Vedat Muriqi – Pep Chavarría, Adri Embarba
Mallorca
It took the islanders four games to get their first win of the season under new coach Jagoba Arrasate. Surprisingly, the Balearic side triumphed away for the first time, beating La Liga promoted side Leganés 1-0. After the break, Mallorca suffered a disappointing home defeat to Villarreal, but then began a superb run of three consecutive victories, collecting maximum points. Notably, two of those victories came away, which is a significant turnaround given that in the previous two years the islanders had barely managed to win away games.
However, the winning streak began with their first home victory of the season, winning 1-0 against Real Sociedad. While Dani Rodríguez scored the decisive goal in Butarque, it was fans’ favorite Abdón Prats who secured three points for his team with a home penalty. Subsequently, they obtained two victories with identical scores of 2-1, first against Real Betis in Seville and then against Valladolid. In both games, the decisive goals were scored by new arrival Valery Fernández, who came on as a substitute. Unfortunately, their third away game to try to win ended in defeat at Espanyol in Barcelona, with the same score.
Rayo Vallecano
The “Lightnings” are currently neighbors of the Balearic Islands in the standings, one point behind. However, it is worth noting that the Madrid team is enjoying an active five-match unbeaten streak, amassing nine points. Between the international breaks in September and October, Iñigo Pérez’s team was unbeaten. Only Real and Atlético have equaled this record of invincibility during the same period.
This series started with a brilliant victory over Osasuna in Vallecas, finishing 3-1. A week later, Rayo Vallecano achieved a respectable draw in the derby against Atlético (1-1). Despite expectations, their match in Girona ended goalless, but soon after, the Foudres could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Leganés. Additionally, their previous match against Valladolid away did not start well, conceding an early goal. However, they responded quickly and secured a 2-1 comeback victory with Jorge de Frutos scoring a brace, taking advantage of the opponent’s defensive errors.
Mallorca vs Rayo Vallecano : Probable teams
Mallorca will still be without defender Siebe Van der Heyden, as well as wingers Javi Llabrés and Takuma Asano, but the return of striker Vedat Muriqi to the squad seems likely. For Rayo Vallecano, key left-back Alfonso Espino continues his rehabilitation, while the participation of fellow full-back Pep Chavarría and versatile player Adri Embarba remains uncertain.
Mallorca vs Rayo Vallecano : Author’s prediction
This season, Rayo Vallecano have lost only one of their five away matches. However, I think it will be quite difficult for them to extend their current unbeaten run on the Balearic Islands. The reason is simple: Mallorca have never lost to the Lightnings at home in La Liga during the 21st century, posting seven wins and two draws in nine matches. Additionally, the Islanders have won their last three home games in what could be called their modern history. Furthermore, Jagoba Arrasate’s side impressed overall before the international break and are rightfully considered favorites in the upcoming clash. So, I’m taking a risk and betting on a victory for Mallorca.
