Mallorca Aims for Vital Win Against Girona at Home

RCD Mallorca welcomes Girona today at the formidable Son Moix stadium, where the hosts seek to capitalize on their home advantage. Girona, having achieved only one away victory—most recently against Real Sociedad—will aim for another win to escape the relegation zone, especially following Valencia’s recent defeat.

As the year 2026 begins, Mallorca is determined to add a second point to their tally. Manager Jagoba Arrasate has expressed this ambition ahead of a crucial match against a direct rival, which could allow the team to equal points with Girona and move out of the relegation zone. With the squad fully recovered, including the last-minute return of Omar Mascarell from the Africa Cup of Nations, Mallorca will pursue their first victory of the year at Son Moix. Notably absent will be Iván ‘Pichu’ Cuéllar, while former player Dani Rodríguez will also not be present due to his recent departure after eight seasons with the club.

This match holds particular significance as it is dedicated to the memory of Miquel Contestí, the recently deceased former president of RCD Mallorca, who will be honored before the game.

Girona arrives at this fixture following a disappointing end to 2025, having lost 3-0 against Atlético in their last match, which left them entrenched in the relegation zone. The team is eager to start 2026 positively and to overcome the challenges faced in the previous year, which has left a sour taste for players and supporters alike. Securing two victories in January, one at Son Moix against Mallorca and another at Montilivi against Osasuna, could mark a turning point for the team, especially with key winter transfers anticipated to bolster their chances of survival.

As they prepare for the match, Girona awaits the potential return of Claudio Echeverri and aims to secure a goalkeeper to compete with Gazzaniga—targeting Ter Stegen as a top ambition. However, they will be without long-term absentees Portu and Van de Beek, as well as the yet-to-return Stuani and Abel Ruiz. On a positive note, Krapyvtsov returns to the squad to support Livakovic, who is currently not training and has permission from the club to resolve his future. David López remains a vital presence both on and off the pitch due to his experience.

Historically, Girona has struggled at Son Moix, having secured only one victory in their last nine matches there, dating back over a decade to the 2014/15 season, alongside six losses and two draws.

After a surprising win against Real Sociedad at Anoeta, Míchel Sánchez’s team will be looking to build on that momentum with another away victory in Mallorca, which would be a significant boost as they seek stability in the league. While Muriqi has scored nine crucial goals for the team, Girona’s success will heavily rely on his continued effectiveness as they navigate the challenges ahead.