Samuel Costa Scores Late Winner as Mallorca Edges Valencia 1-0 in La Liga
PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain — A second-half strike from Samuel Costa proved to be the difference as Mallorca secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Valencia in La Liga action on Monday evening at the Visit Mallorca Stadium.
The goal came in the 85th minute when Costa latched onto a loose ball inside the Valencia penalty area and fired low past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to send the home crowd into celebration. The winner capped off a resilient performance by Mallorca, who had to weather sustained pressure from their visitors in the final stages of the match.
Valencia began the brighter side, controlling possession in the opening 20 minutes and creating the first clear chance of the game. Hugo Duro latched onto a through ball in the 18th minute but saw his effort rattled off the post, leaving the score level at 0-0.
Mallorca grew into the game as the half progressed, with Costa testing Mamardashvili from distance in the 34th minute. The Valencia goalkeeper was equal to the effort, pushing the shot wide for a corner that came to nothing.
The second half began with Valencia pushing for an opening goal, but Mallorca’s defense held firm under the leadership of veteran center-back Antonio Raillo. As the clock ticked down, both sides appeared content to settle for a point until Costa’s moment of individual brilliance broke the deadlock.
After the goal, Valencia threw men forward in search of an equalizer. Mamardashvili was forced into a fine save to deny Vedat Muriqi in the 89th minute, while a late header from Umar Sadiq in stoppage time was comfortably gathered by the Mallorca keeper.
The victory moves Mallorca to 42 points in the La Liga table, sitting comfortably in mid-table with three matches remaining. Valencia remains on 38 points, still in contention for a European spot but needing results to go their way in the final weeks of the season.
Costa’s goal was his sixth of the La Liga campaign, having previously scored against Real Betis, Atlético Madrid, and Sevilla this season. The Brazilian forward joined Mallorca in the summer transfer window from Portuguese side Famalicão and has quickly become a fan favorite for his work rate and clutch performances.
Mallorca head coach Javier Aguirre praised his team’s resilience after the match, stating in his post-game press conference that “the players showed tremendous character to grind out this result, especially against a quality opponent like Valencia.”
Valencia manager Rubén Baraja acknowledged his side’s shortcomings in the final third, noting that “we created chances but lacked the killer touch when it mattered most. Credit to Mallorca for defending well and taking their opportunity.”
The result leaves both teams with contrasting objectives as the season enters its climax. Mallorca will look to finish the campaign strongly and build momentum for next season, while Valencia must win their remaining matches to have any hope of qualifying for European competition.
Mallorca’s next fixture sees them travel to face Alavés on April 25, while Valencia will host Girona on the same date as both teams prepare for the penultimate matchday of the La Liga season.
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