MATCH REPORT: Stoppage time strikes save point against Mallorca

Valencia CF

·23 October 2021

MATCH REPORT: Stoppage time strikes save point against Mallorca

Two stoppage time strikes earned Valencia CF a 2-2 draw at home to RCD Mallorca in at Mestalla, as José Bordalás' side salvaged a point from their Matchday 10 contest.

The team began in dominant fashion, with Maxi Gómez enjoying an early opportunity. Uros Racic added to the onslaught, and a José Luis Gayà cross in from the wing took a dangerous swerve that troubled the hosts. However, despite being comfortable and playing in front of a Mestalla crowd without limited capacity for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no way to open the scoring for Valencia CF.

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Mallorca had few opportunities, but took those that were presented to them in the first half. Former Valencia CF player Kang In set up Ángel Rodríguez to break the deadlock on 31 minutes, and a Dani Rodríguez effort swiftly added to the advantage off a scramble inside the area, the ball going in off Mouctar Diakhaby.

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Valencia CF went into the break 0-2 down, and coach Bordalás decided to make changes for the second half. He brought on Carlos Soler, Omar Alderete and Marcos André to change things up in each area of the pitch.

Soler provided a run into the area almost immediately after coming on, giving hope to the home fans. The hope was increased when Kang In was sent off, leaving Mallorca down to ten men with 35 minutes remaining.

Hélder Costa came close to pulling a goal back with a cut inside from the right wing, but goalkeeper Manolo Reina made a save to deny him.

Marcos André went even closer, heading against the post and having a shot cleared off the line by Valjent. Valencia CF kept pushing but it was not until stoppage time that they got their reward for their effort.

Gonçalo Guedes struck in stunning style from outside the box in the 93rd minute, capitalising on a mistake by Baba. With momentum in their favour, Valencia CF had their eye on an equaliser and, in the 97th minute, Manu Vallejo sent a ball into the area for André to flick on, with Gayà slamming it home with an acrobatic shot in the six-yard box. Valencia CF earned a point from the game, and will look for victory against Real Betis on Wednesday night.