Mallorca’s Collapse: Samu Costa’s Side Falls to 17th

The agony for Mallorca began in the 23rd minute when Levante’s David Soria opened the scoring with a clinical finish after a set-piece routine. The second goal arrived in the 68th minute when Levante’s Luís Castro, the very player whose team was fighting for survival, sealed the outcome with a header from a corner.

Key Stat: Mallorca’s relegation means they will compete in La Liga’s second division for the 2026/27 season, marking their first top-flight drop since 2019.

Samu Costa, who joined Mallorca from Chelsea in 2025, saw his side’s hopes evaporate despite a valiant late rally. “Here’s devastating,” Costa said in a post-match interview. “We fought until the last minute, but it wasn’t enough. The boys gave everything, but the result speaks for itself.”

Samu Costa reacts to Mallorca’s relegation after the final whistle (Photo: Instagram)

Samu Costa’s header that gave Mallorca victory earlier this season now symbolizes their heartbreaking relegation. #RCDMallorca #LaLiga

Levante’s Survival: Luís Castro’s Moment of Redemption

For Levante, the victory was a triumphant end to their season. Luís Castro, who had been a key figure in their survival campaign, scored the decisive goal that sent his team to 16th place—just above the relegation zone.

Levante's Survival: Luís Castro's Moment of Redemption
Luís Castro Levante celebración salvamento España

Castro, who had been linked with a move away from Levante in the summer, celebrated the goal with his teammates. “This is for all the fans who believed in us,” he said. “We knew we had to win today and we did.”

Context: Levante’s survival means they will remain in La Liga for the 2026/27 season, avoiding a repeat of their 2024/25 campaign when they narrowly escaped relegation.

Standings Implications: Who’s Up, Who’s Down?

The final standings of La Liga 2025/26 are now set:

Samu Costa🇵🇹 | @GironaFC 0 @OficialRCDMallorca 1 – #LaLiga 2025-26 – Jornada 34
  • Relegated: RCD Mallorca (17th), Eibar (18th), and Almería (19th)
  • Survived: Levante (16th), Getafe (15th), and Valencia (14th)

Mallorca’s relegation is particularly painful given their strong start to the season, where they were briefly in the top six. Their collapse in the final months cost them dearly.

What Happens Next?

For Mallorca, the focus now turns to Segunda División, where they will aim to bounce back quickly. Samu Costa’s future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he could return to Premier League football in the summer.

Levante, meanwhile, will look to rebuild their squad over the summer, with Castro likely to be a key target for clubs seeking a proven performer in a midfield role.

Tactical Breakdown: Why Did Mallorca and Levante Struggle?

Mallorca’s defeat was compounded by defensive errors, with Levante capitalizing on set-pieces—a tactic that has been a hallmark of their survival campaign. Levante’s manager, Javier Calleja, praised his team’s resilience.

Tactical Breakdown: Why Did Mallorca and Levante Struggle?
Samu Costa Maiorca despedida entrenador LaLiga

“We knew we had to be clinical today,” Calleja said. “Our players delivered when it mattered most. This is a huge relief for the club and the fans.”

Fan Reactions: Social Media Explodes

The results sparked an outpouring of emotions on social media. Mallorca fans expressed their disappointment, while Levante supporters celebrated their survival.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for La Liga?

With the 2025/26 season now concluded, attention turns to the UEFA Champions League and Europa League qualifiers. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid will look to defend their European honors, while newly promoted teams will aim to make their mark.

The 2026/27 La Liga season is expected to begin in late August, with the first matches set for September 10, 2026 (UTC).