Three Points at Last: Mallorca Beats Getafe 1-0 at the Estadi

Relief at the Estadi: Mallorca wins 1-0 against Getafe

It was one of those evenings when you could tell something was different already turning into Carrer de Blanquerna. Cool air, a few clouds, but above all voices: around 20,000 people singing, whistling and making the stands tremble at every duel. Not the prettiest game we've ever seen – but exactly what the island needed today.

The decisive moment came early. In the 23rd minute Vedat Muriqi nodded home a high cross through the Getafe defence. Not a work of art, more a robust follow-up with his forehead, but effective. The ball hit the net and the relief could be heard as far as Plaça Espanya: horns, an old Mallorcan flag being waved vigorously, and a collective exhale among the fans. These are the scenes that shape everyday life here – rough, direct and suddenly very warm-hearted.

A battle, not a show

Getafe responded as expected: gritty, uncomfortable, with many interruptions and little niggles. Mallorca defended with concentration, not always pretty to watch but with the necessary passion. The midfield often looked fragmented, chances were few, instead there were many duels and scrappy moments. Our centre-backs and the goalkeeper had to intervene repeatedly – a last-ditch save near the end was almost dramatic, but ultimately symptomatic of the whole match: enough commitment to keep a clean sheet.

The result matters: With the 1-0, RCD Mallorca climbs to 15th place and now has 12 points. No all-night celebration, but an important step out of the danger zone. Coach and players showed subdued joy after the final whistle – more of a relieved nod, a few dry jokes and that typical island humour: "The main thing is the three points."

Looking ahead: Villarreal in sight

On 22 November the next tough test awaits away from home: Villarreal, currently high in the table. That will be a very different task; attitude and courage will be tested even more there. The coming week therefore means: recover, train and tweak some tactical details. Whether Muriqi and his teammates can keep that mental toughness remains to be seen.

At the café on Plaça Espanya this morning small groups of fans gathered with flags and decaf espresso to replay the key moments. Conversations about the need for defensive stability mixed with praise for the fighting spirit. That's football here: direct, passionate, sometimes loud, always present in the streets, workplaces and bars.

A small thought at the end: This 1-0 is not an artistic statement, but an invitation to carry on. For the team and for us: stay with them, hope and keep supporting. On the island people know that trust can't be bought with goals – but after an evening like this it's a little easier to look forward with optimism.