RCD Mallorca narrowly loses in Bilbao – late decision dampens hope

Narrow, bitter, and somehow typical: Mallorca loses in Bilbao

Last night, around 9:00 PM, under cool drizzle in San Mamés, Mallorca's trip ended with a 1-2 defeat. The hosts started early: as early as the 8th to 9th minute the referee awarded a penalty – Iñaki Williams stepped up and converted confidently. The atmosphere in the stadium boiled from the start; in the stands it was as loud as on a Saturday afternoon.

Mallorca needed a long time to get into the match. The islanders looked a step late in the first 60 minutes, especially in midfield as things were too rushed. Still, the team kept the game open and rewarded themselves with a patient attack in the 77th minute: Samu Costa scored to make it 1-1 and briefly brought relief to the traveling fans, who the night before had excitedly debated the starting lineup in bars in Palma and at the port.

Short-lived joy, rapid disappointment

Only five minutes after the equalizer followed the setback: a scramble in the penalty area, a deflected shot – and 2-1 for Bilbao. Football can change that fast. Mallorca's reaction did not come; there were still chances, but the final precision was lacking. Coach Jagoba Arrasate looked disappointed after the final whistle, but not surprised: He said that Mallorca had shown character but lacked calm in the decisive moments.

The statistics are clear and uncomfortable: with only five points from eight games, Mallorca remains at the bottom of the table. For the fans on the island that's not a pleasant feeling – many sat yesterday evening in the rain by the glow of TV screens in the old town, while others watched the match in a small sports café in Portixol. The team's return trip will be long; in the locker room the right questions must be asked.

Outlook and atmosphere

Bilbao celebrated their first win after a stretch without three points – that gives the Basque club some breathing room again. For Mallorca the message is now: stay calm, analyze, and iron out the small details in training. The next fixture is coming up soon, and the hope remains that the team can halt the negative trend.

A small, personal note: on the way home I saw two Mallorca supporters who had traveled with the team outside a gas station, laughing loudly despite the disappointment and talking about better times. Perhaps this is the right mix of frustration and optimism needed now.