Rivals watch RCD Mallorca

T A C T I C S

In 2 years, Mallorca have gone from competing in the Second Division B to returning to the top flight. While their season hasn’t been too triumphant so far (17th in the table), Vicente Moreno’s signature Mallorca is a very well drilled and highly elaborate team. Last term, in the 2ª, they were candidates to get relegated due to their lack of quality, but ended up getting promoted.

Moreno has been combining footballers who have been with them since the very bottom, like Salva Sevilla or Dani Rodríguez, with several newcomers like Take Kubo or Aleix Febas that have increased the individual level of a group that clearly doesn’t have the talent to be proactive against most La Liga rivals. To alleviate this lack of quality, the coach has built a compact block that works in solidarity and harmony, being very uncomfortable to face.

Mallorca are often reactive and let their enemies have possession, though they are capable of generating many opportunities through their strikers or the speed from the flanks. The Bermellones started with an immovable 4–4–2, but lately Vicente Moreno has been trying different formations, such as the 4–2–3–1 or 4–3–3, which has created a more favourable environment for someone like Kubo.

The left wing had been one of Mallorca’s most productive offensive tools, with full-backs Baba or Lumor adding depth and power, and Lago Junior providing the sharp moves towards goal. However, Junior, who scored the winner against Madrid in Els Barralets’ highlight of the campaign, is expected to miss tomorrow’s clash.

In midfield, 3 players with very different profiles are essential. Iddrisu Baba, an all-rounder; Salva Sevilla, the organiser; and Aleix Febas, a more attack-minded creator with great vision. And then there’s obviously Take Kubo and also Dani Rodríguez flanking Budimir upfront. This may be their XI to face us on Saturday:

Reina

Sastre · Valjent · Raíllo · Baba Rahman

Aleix Febas · Iddrisu Baba · Salva Sevilla

Take Kubo · Budimir · Dani Rodríguez