Mallorca snatched a point against Villarreal after a 1-1 draw, with Vedat Muriqi capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to level the score. Ayoze Pérez had put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot, but Muriqi’s opportunistic strike not only rescued a result for the home side but also brought him closer to Kylian Mbappé in the battle for the LaLiga EA Sports Golden Boot.
The match started with Mallorca controlling possession but failing to create clear-cut chances. Samu Costa and Luvumbo had the best opportunities for the hosts, but neither could find the target. Villarreal, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter, with Buchanan twice failing to capitalize on defensive mistakes from the home side.
Luvumbo, back to his best after injury, was the standout player for Mallorca in the first half. However, with half an hour played, a handball from Mateu Morey following a Cardona header handed Villarreal a penalty. Ayoze stepped up and converted from the spot, despite Leo Román getting a hand to the ball.
Villarreal’s plan was working perfectly, and Mallorca struggled to respond despite retaining possession. As the first half headed for a close, a high ball from Morlanes into the Villarreal area led to a catastrophic error from goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, who failed to gather the ball. Muriqi, alert and sharp, poked it into the net to level the score just before halftime—a result that felt fair based on the play.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with both sides making changes. Mallorca introduced Mojica due to injury, while Villarreal brought on Moleiro and Pepe to bolster their attack. Despite Marcelino’s tactical adjustments, it was the home side who created the best chances in the final stages. Tenas redeemed himself with two excellent saves to deny Muriqi a second goal.
Ultimately, the draw left a bittersweet taste at Son Moix, but the debut of young Calatayud, who impressed in his minutes, offered a glimmer of hope.
**Lineups:**
**Mallorca:** Leo Román; Omar Mascarell, Mateu Morey (69′), Valjent, Mojica (61′); Pablo Torre (75′), Samuel Costa, Darder, Manu Morlanes (69′); Muriqi, Zito.
Subs: Miguel Calatayud (69′), Lato (61′), Antonio Sánchez, Asano, Cesc Riba, Abdón Prats, Javi Llabrés, Pichu, David López (75′), Jan Virgili (69′), Javier Olaizola, Luis Orejuela.
**Villarreal:** Arnau Tenas; Renato Veiga, Rafa Marín, Sergi Cardona, Santiago Mouriño; Thomas, Comesaña (74′); Alfon (62′), Tajon Buchanan (70′), Ayoze Pérez (69′); Tani Oluwaseyi (62′).
Subs: Pedraza, Parejo (74′), Pau Navarro, A. Freeman, Luiz Lúcio Reis Júnior, Nicolas Pepe (62′), Wi…