Mallorca managed to rescue a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, thanks to a late equaliser from Vedat Muriqi. The result sees both teams continue their poor run of form in LaLiga.
Despite their midweek Champions League efforts, Atletico started the match with strong attacking intent. They were awarded a penalty in the 14th minute after a handball by Mallorca’s Antonio Raillo. However, Atletico’s Julian Alvarez saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Leo Roman, who proved to be a standout performer for the hosts throughout the game. Atletico continued to apply pressure, but Mallorca’s defence, led by the inspired Roman, held firm, keeping the game goalless at halftime.
The second half began with a similar pattern of play, though the game’s momentum shifted significantly on the hour mark. After coming on as a substitute, Atletico’s Alexander Sørloth was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a high challenge, leaving his side to play the final quarter of the match with ten men.
Despite the disadvantage, Atletico found a way to break the deadlock in the 79th minute. After a solid save from Roman on an initial shot from Marcos Llorente, Conor Gallagher was quickest to react to the rebound, calmly slotting the ball home.
Just as it seemed Atletico would hold on for a hard-fought victory, Mallorca mounted a final surge. In the 85th minute, a superb cross from Jan Virgili found an unmarked Vedat Muriqi, who powered a header past Jan Oblak to level the scores and earn a vital point for his team.
The draw leaves both teams in a difficult position. Mallorca’s winless streak in LaLiga now stands at five matches, while their overall winless run stretches back into last season to eight games. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have secured only one league victory this season, a disappointing return for Diego Simeone’s side.
