Recreativo-Mallorca

How many of you were in Mallorca over new years wondering how our team was going to survive to play next year in LaLiga after a dismal first half of the season? Most of us, including myself, thought the team was likely going to be relegated at that point despite the obvious talent on the team. What a turnaround it has been in the second half as the talent has finally meshed and created some good results over a consistent basis. Starting with a big win against Valencia up through yesterdays 2-0 defeat of Valladolid, the team has won seven, tied four, and only lost twice in the second half. Dont forget our run in the Copa as well. If we had meshed like this to begin the first half, we would be looking strong for Europe. Instead we are on the verge of a miraculous turnaround that could see us safe before the final four weeks of the season when we will face the big four clubs who all will still have something to play for. With all the talent turnover from last year, survival has to be the goal even if the talent warrants a higher finish.

Yesterdays game with Valladolid was symbolic of how we have played in the second half for the most part. In the games we have won, we have typically controlled play, missed a few great chances, and pressured enough that eventually a breakthrough or two happens. Yesterday, it was Keita who came through with a couple of goals in the second half to take us to a win. We now sit on 39 points, basically in the middle of the table with things looking pretty good for survival. However, we must not stop short of the finish line as we need a result in the next two weeks to solidify our place in LaLiga for next year without the pressure of needing results in the final four games.

We now face Recreativo on the road after basically three days rest. Recreativo is now in the position many thought we would be in at this stage of the year. They sit at 30 points and in the relegation zone after a tough loss to Villarreal. This is the latest opponent for us who we see after they finish their brutal stretch against the big four. Despite some strong efforts in those games, Recre came away with no points in those four matches. The difficulty of these games not only from a result standpoint, but from a morale standpoint can be devastating for a team. While playing the big four in the final four games of the season can be tough, it may turn out to be an advantage for us because we could build momentum, improve our morale, and achieve safety at the expense of teams more on our level.

Recreativo is just another of a big group of LaLiga teams that really arent any better or worse then the other. The difference between them and say us or Valladolid is that the gave away too many points to lesser teams. Losing against the big four is expected, but losses to Getafe and draws with Almeria et al have put them in the position they are in. They are going to have to beat similar teams in the final weeks to survive and it seems every team at the bottom dramatically improves for the final weeks in a desperate attempt to save their season. Espanyol is the latest team to step up. Recreativo is in real trouble and has to expect a win in this game. A loss for them will be devastating.

Mallorca has done what it has needed to do to be almost safe. Any road game in LaLiga is tough so while it would be great to get three points this weekend, it will next weeks home game against Getafe that will likely get us the points we need. That being said, with Recreativos morale destroyed and Mallorca on a good run, we can get points in this game and we might even win. If we play like we did against Valladolid, we can do it.

Keitas performance is just another reminder that we have depth and he needs to see more time. I doubt he will begin this weekends match, but if Aduriz continues to be unlucky in his finishes, we might see some of him this weekend. Lets hope Manzano takes the chance and amps up the offensive pressure to get a win this weekend to really lock in our status. This is the perfect opponent to do it against. A loss really puts pressure on us for next weekend against Getafe at home.

Its hard to bet against Mallorca now in any game against a mid table type team. The team seems to find points on the road while winning at home and the second half has shown this team has some talent that is worthy of a finish that should have nothing involving the word relegation in it. I think the momentum carries through this weekend and we put an ample stamp on our run to safety despite the game being on the road after a short rest.

Prediction

Recreativo 1-2 Mallorca

Category: Mallorca Team News

Tags: Mallorca Team News

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