Real Mallorca pulled off a major cup upset in Spain. The current sixteenth-placed team in La Liga qualified for the Copa del Rey final by defeating Real Sociedad on penalties in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Real Mallorca achieved a stunning upset by advancing to the Spanish Cup Final, a feat that has captivated fans and players alike.
In a dramatic match against Real Sociedad, the eighth finalist of the Champions League, the game's intensity was palpable from the start. The first half nearly saw Sociedad taking the lead when they were awarded a penalty. However, Brais Méndez's decision to shoot straight down the middle was thwarted by Mallorca's goalkeeper, Dominik Greif, who made a crucial save to keep the score level.
The tide turned after halftime when Giovanni González capitalized on a high cross to put Mallorca ahead. Despite this setback, Sociedad fought back, and Méndez managed to atone for his earlier miss by setting up Mikel Oyarzabal with a precise through ball, leveling the score once more.
The match remained deadlocked through the remainder of regular time and extra time, leading to a tense penalty shootout. The first nine penalties found the back of the net, including one from Sociedad substitute Sheraldo Becker. However, the shootout took a dramatic turn when Oyarzabal, Sociedad's earlier equalizer, missed the tenth penalty. This miss allowed Mallorca's Greif, who traditionally only features in cup matches, to emerge as the night's hero.
Mallorca's journey to the Spanish Cup Final is a remarkable story of resilience and triumph. Having won the cup back in 2003, their return to the final stages is a testament to the club's enduring spirit and determination. Striker Abdón Prats, reflecting on the team's journey from the third division of Spanish football to the cusp of glory, shared his overwhelming pride and joy. The team, according to Prats, has endured many challenges over the years, making this achievement all the more sweet.
The final, set for Saturday, April 6, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Mallorca's fairy-tale run, with the team set to face either Athletic Bilbao or Atlético Madrid, who will determine the other finalist in their semi-final clash. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Mallorca, illustrating the unpredictable and magical nature of cup football.
