Dramatic Last-Minute Valjent Goal Secures Point for Mallorca Against Sevilla

Sevilla missed the opportunity to secure their third consecutive home victory over Mallorca, a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 1991/92 season, as the visitors levelled the match at 1-1 in the 91st minute, climbing to eighth place in LaLiga.

The away side had the chance to ascend to sixth position and nearly drew first blood within the opening 20 minutes, with Pablo Maffeo sending Takuma Asano clear. Instead of taking the optimal route and shooting, the Japanese forward opted to deliver a cross, which unfortunately slipped just beyond the reach of Vedat Muriqi.

Shortly after, Kike Salas failed to finish off a short corner routine at the opposite end, blasting his attempt into the unfortunate Omar Mascarell.

It wasn’t until the 42nd minute that either goalkeeper faced a genuine challenge. Djibril Sow’s powerful shot from outside the box took a deflection off Sergi Darder, but Dominik Greif managed to respond well. However, in first-half stoppage time, the Slovak goalkeeper was finally beaten.

Ruben Vargas was brought down by Asano, and Dodi Lukebakio’s subsequent free-kick was nodded towards Loic Bade. A further header from Isaac Romero found Salas, who volleyed home brilliantly from close range.

Just after the break, Mallorca nearly equalised when a cross from Maffeo deflected off Bade and Asano before hitting the post. However, Sevilla rallied quickly with Greif making a low save to deny Vargas.

The second half opened up a bit, but Mallorca struggled to sustain consistent attacks and could have found themselves 2-0 down shortly after the hour mark when Salas squandered a chance at the back post.

Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate made his first substitution in the 67th minute, swapping Asano for Robert Navarro. That change almost paid off immediately as Muriqi intercepted Bade’s pass and set up Navarro, but the substitute’s delicate chip over Orjan Nyland sailed over the crossbar.

Navarro came close again, almost converting after Bade’s poor header from a half-volley, while fellow substitute Cyle Larin couldn’t capitalize on Johan Mojica’s inviting cross.

In a dramatic twist, they snatched a late equaliser when Navarro’s corner was spilled by Nyland, allowing Martin Valjent to slot in the rebound from a tight angle.

Despite Sevilla’s claims for a foul on their Norwegian goalkeeper, the goal was allowed to stand, leaving Los Nervionenses to wait for back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. They are scheduled to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, while Mallorca will take on second-bottom Deportivo Alaves the following day.