Mallorca Struggles Continue Amidst Mounting Pressure

Mallorca has been struggling for an extended period without finding a way to improve their situation. Coach Jagoba Arrasate made significant changes to the lineup in an attempt to address the injuries of Morlanes and Raíllo during the match against Rayo Vallecano. Muriqi, the team’s standout player, scored once again—bringing his tally to 11 goals—but the team ultimately lost yet another away game, marking their seventh defeat in ten outings. The match concluded the first half of the season with a 2-1 loss, leaving Mallorca just one point above the relegation zone.

In the post-match press conference, Arrasate expressed frustration, stating, “We had a game plan that became ineffective within the first five minutes.” The team was caught off guard as Rayo’s Jorge de Frutos capitalized on a lapse in defense, scoring the opening goal with relative ease. This match was critical for Mallorca given that Rayo Vallecano is a direct competitor for survival in the league; it is worth noting that Rayo is also competing in the Conference League and Copa del Rey.

Throughout the first half of the season, Mallorca has struggled to secure victories against most of their immediate rivals in the standings. This trend indicates deeper issues within the team, especially considering that they possess the 11th highest salary cap in La Liga. Given the caliber and experience of the players under Arrasate, much more was expected from them.

The performance of the team has been sporadic at best, relying heavily on the scoring abilities of Vedat Muriqi, who has netted 11 of the team’s total 21 goals. Other key players, such as Pablo Maffeo, Johan Mojica, Manu Morlanes, and Sergi Darder, have not displayed their full potential, far from their best form.

Another noteworthy aspect is the situation surrounding Pablo Torre, a star signing from FC Barcelona this past summer. Despite high expectations, he has not secured a starting position under Arrasate and has a minimal role within a team that is barely fighting to remain in La Liga for another year.

Arrasate initially made a strong impression during his tenure last season, finishing the first half with 30 points. However, as the season progressed, the team faltered, becoming more recognized for controversies involving players and fans than for positive results. Consequently, they missed the opportunity to compete for European spots, accumulating only 18 points in the second half of the season, which mirrors their current performance in the 2025/26 campaign.

The most troubling aspect for Mallorca is that they have lost their element of surprise. The team has become predictable and is easily defensible. When the circumstances of the match do not favor them, they struggle to perform. Additionally, their defensive capabilities are not at their peak.

Arrasate has yet to find the right formula for success; key players are not meeting expectations, and his standing is becoming precarious. As the team embarks on the second half of the season, they risk falling into the relegation spots at any moment, a predicament that the management and American ownership must carefully evaluate in the current context.