MATCH REPORT: Valencia CF stumble against RCD Mallorca

Valencia CF suffered a 1-0 defeat away against RCD Mallorca on LaLiga Matchday 36, as the home team took a step forward in the second half and scored the only goal of the game through Vedat Muriqi's header.

With the chance to mathematically ensure top flight survival with a win, Valencia CF started the game well positioned, organised, solid and pressing well. They tried to go ahead from the early stages and had their first chance in the 23rd minute, when Javi Guerra sent a cross into the heart of the area looking for Hugo Duro.

It would be after half an hour, however, when the team would get closer to perforating taking the lead. Samuel Lino crossed from the left and found Diego López in the six-yard-box, and with a somewhat hurried close-range shot he almost made it 0-1, but Mallorca goalkeeper Rajkovic kicked the ball away from the post with his toe.

After the break, Valencia CF had a header for Javi Guerra that ended up in the hands of the goalkeeper, and in the 64th minute, off a move from the left, RCD Mallorca managed to open the scoring: One-time Valencia CF player Kang In Lee put the ball across from the flank to Muriqi, who headed in.

Rubén Baraja brought on Justin Kluivert and Samu Castillejo in an attempt to find a reaction. Thierry Correia looked for Hugo Duro on the next chance, but he only made glancing contact with the delivery and it was an easy save for Rajkovic.

In the 74th minute it was Alberto Marí and Edinson Cavani who were introduced in search of an equaliser, and five minutes later the goalkeeper had to get a hand down to meet a great shot from Kluivert.

Almost on the final whistle, André Almeida had another shot, but the RCD Mallorca defence blocked it and the contest ended 1-0.

Valencia CF play RCD Espanyol at Mestalla on Matchday 37, on Sunday at 7pm local time.