News Focus
- Getafe secure a 3-1 home win against struggling RCD Mallorca
- Martin Satriano nets twice to punish defensive mistakes from the visitors
- Zaid Romero adds a third goal from a set piece after the break
- The result moves Getafe four points clear in the race for seventh place
- Mallorca remain in 17th position, level on points with the relegation zone
Getafe strengthened their push for a European spot with a decisive 3-1 triumph over RCD Mallorca at the Coliseum on Wednesday evening. Jose Bordalas’ side capitalised on poor defending from the Islanders to move closer to securing a Conference League place.
The match began with both managers handing opportunities to young players. Damian Caceres started in midfield for the hosts, while Martin Demichelis selected Luis Orejuela at left-back for the away side. This decision backfired early on when Orejuela failed to deal with a routine clearance. The error allowed Allan Nyom to surge forward and deliver a low cross that Martin Satriano converted at the far post.
Mallorca attempted to respond and nearly equalised when Vedat Muriqi struck the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner kick. Zito Luvumbo also threatened the Getafe defence after a clever pass from Muriqi, but Zaid Romero made a crucial intervention to deny him.
However, the visitors shot themselves in the foot again before half-time. A lack of communication between Orejuela and Martin Valjent saw them allow a long ball to bounce between them. Valjent eventually headed the ball back towards his goalkeeper Leo Roman, but the keeper was caught off his line. Satriano took full advantage by tapping the ball into an unguarded net to double his tally for the evening.
The second period began with Getafe controlling the tempo effectively. Just after the hour mark, Zaid Romero forced home a third goal from a corner kick to effectively seal the contest. Mallorca managed a consolation goal two minutes later when Omar Mascarell converted from a set piece, but they rarely troubled the Getafe keeper during the final twenty minutes.
The victory leaves Getafe sitting comfortably in seventh place, four points ahead of Real Sociedad in the battle for the final European qualification spot. Meanwhile, Mallorca occupy 17th position and remain precariously placed above the drop zone on goal difference alone. The Islanders face a crucial clash against Levante this weekend, while Getafe will travel to face relegation candidates Elche.