RCD Mallorca experienced their first defeat of the Segunda División season on Tuesday, losing 2-0 to Granada at Los Cármenes. The result leaves the Balearic side 12th in the table with 3 points from their opening two matches, having won one and lost one.
How did the match in Granada unfold?
The game started brightly for Mallorca with two early chances for striker Adrián Fuentes, who put the first wide and saw the second ruled offside. That promising spell quickly faded as a more physical and clinical Granada took control. Alemañ opened the scoring for the hosts, and the second goal came from a corner and an own goal by full-back Arnau Puigmal. This goal was highly controversial, as referee As Reig appeared to blow his whistle before the ball crossed the line, but VAR did not intervene. Captain Raíllo protested vehemently, telling the official, according to broadcaster COPE, "le dice que ha pitado" (he tells him he has blown).
What problems did Mallorca display?
Despite enjoying more possession, RCD Mallorca were largely toothless. They struggled to create danger from wide areas and their most creative players failed to influence the game. Pablo Torre found no space, Roca had a difficult outing, and Zito Luvumbo was anonymous. The team, built to dominate matches and press opponents, showed deficiencies in their pressing, physical duels, ball recovery, and most importantly, finishing. Centre-forward Adrián Fuentes, who joined from Córdoba this summer, carried a lack of confidence from pre-season and could not shake it off in Granada.
What changes did the manager make?
The Mallorca coach was forced to turn to his bench in the second half. He introduced Arnau Puigmal to cover the right-back position, where the cautioned Calatayud was struggling. Liso also came on for Roca to add fresh legs on the left wing. Later, two new signings made their debuts: local attacker Cerdà, who played as a second striker, and Polish forward Buksa, who made his first appearance. These substitutions, however, did little to change the course of a match that had already slipped away from the visitors.
What is RCD Mallorca's current context?
The defeat halts Mallorca's early season momentum. A win would have seen them level on points with Tenerife and Las Palmas, the only two teams to start the campaign with two victories. As it stands, the team has 3 points, having scored 2 goals and conceded 2, for a goal difference of zero. They now trail league leaders Sporting Gijon by 4 points. The next fixture is an away trip to face 19th-placed Eldense on September 5th. It's a match that becomes crucial for a swift reaction, as you can see on our fixtures page.
What lessons does this match provide?
The game in Granada confirmed some weaknesses that were already glimpsed in the narrow set-piece victory over Valladolid. RCD Mallorca is a team designed to impose its style, but currently lacks cutting edge in both boxes. The squad must improve its ability to withstand the physical pressure from experienced opponents like those fielded by Granada, which included players like Lizoain, Gumbau, and José Arnáiz. The Segunda División season is a marathon, and this early stumble serves as a wake-up call. The response must begin immediately in the next matchday to avoid losing more ground in the standings.
