Against all expectations! Mallorca is in the final of the Copa del Rey after winning (5-4, on penalties, after 1-1 in extra time) at Real Sociedad in the 2nd leg of the semi-finals. This is the 4th major decision for the Balearic team, which only lifted the trophy in 2003. With Andrรฉ Silva in the starting line-up, the Basques were close to taking the lead through Brais Mendรฉz, but Dominik Greif ended up saving a penalty (45’+ 1). Already without the Portuguese striker – he left at half-time -, it was the team that had Samu Costa in the eleven who took the lead thanks to Giovanni Gonzรกlez (50′), in what was the only shot scored by the visitors. Mallorca hadn’t scored at the Reale Arena in 17 years – the last one was in 2007. In response, Imanol Alguacil launched captain Oyarzabal (63′) who was in doubt after missing the last 5 games due to injury and the striker needed just 8 minutes to tie the challenge. Everything was decided on penalties and then Greif was back in the spotlight by saving the first… from Oyarzabal! Mallorca did not miss any attempt and goes to the final in Seville after having already eliminated Girona in the ‘quarters’. The team is in 16th place in La Liga and has only won one of the last 7 games.
Griezmann worries
After leaving the game against Inter injured, Griezmann is Diego Simeone’s biggest concern. The Frenchman is unlikely to recover in time for tomorrow’s clash against Athletic Bilbao, in San Mamรฉs, where At. Madrid will try to reverse the deficit from the 1st leg.
By Joรฃo Cruz