Mallorca vs Getafe: Expert Preview and Matchday Predictions

May 18, 2025 | 20:00 | Palma de Mallorca | Son Moix Stadium
La Liga 2024-25, Matchday 37

Mallorca vs Getafe

Suspended: Djene (Getafe)

Injured: Shikinyu, Abdon Prats (both Mallorca)

Doubtful: Alex Sola, Juanmi (both Getafe)

Players at risk of suspension: Martin Valjent, Omar Mascarell, Sergi Darder, Kyle Larin – Juan Iglesias, Allan Nyom, Luis Milla, Alex Sola, Koba

Mallorca’s European Ambitions Hang in the Balance

The islanders still harbor hopes of finishing in a European spot, but to keep that dream alive, they must win their final two league games and rely on slip-ups from rivals Osasuna, Valencia, and Rayo Vallecano – the latter being Mallorca’s opponent away in the last round. The Baleares were once considered serious contenders for a Europa League berth, yet recent results have been underwhelming. For instance, a month ago Mallorca could only manage a goalless draw at home against Leganés. They then suffered narrow 0-1 defeats to Barcelona away and Girona on the road. However, their most recent home fixture brought relief with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Valladolid, thanks to goals from Omar Mascarell, who netted his first for the club, and Sergi Darder.

This week, Mallorca barely held on until the dying seconds at Santiago Bernabéu, and their hero was none other than backup goalkeeper Leo Román. In his second consecutive match against a top side, Román pulled off a string of remarkable saves. Real Madrid dominated possession, but Mallorca took an early lead in the 11th minute through center-back Martin Valjent, who scored from open play rather than a set-piece. The visitors then sat deep, defending resolutely to maintain their advantage. Madrid equalized midway through the second half, but the winner came in stoppage time after a rare mistake by Valjent, who was caught out by Real’s Jacobo Ramón. With this defeat, Mallorca slipped to 10th place, trailing Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna by a single point, yet still two points clear of Valencia.

Getafe’s Survival Fight Intensifies

Meanwhile, Getafe have yet to secure their La Liga status despite multiple opportunities in recent weeks. With just two matches remaining, José Bordalás’ side sits five points above Leganés but remains dangerously close to the relegation zone. While a drop seems unlikely, anything can happen if Getafe fail to pull themselves together and grind out at least one positive result from their final two games – something they have been adept at in past seasons.

At present, it’s their opponents who are managing to ‘shut down’ games, as Getafe have lost six matches in a row and failed to score in five of their last encounters. This dreadful run began with a 1-3 home loss to Las Palmas, who had not won all year before visiting Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Following that, Bordalás’ squad suffered three narrow 0-1 defeats: away to Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano, and at home against Real Madrid. Last weekend, without several key players, Getafe were soundly beaten 0-3 by Valencia. Then, midweek, they lost 0-2 at home to Athletic Bilbao, who fielded a rotated lineup. Despite controlling much of the game, Getafe’s defense cracked in the 76th minute, allowing Gorka Guruzeta to open the scoring, with the Basques adding a late goal from a set-piece.

Projected Lineups: Mallorca vs Getafe

Lineups are expected to reflect the current fitness and suspension lists, with key absences impacting both sides.

Match Prediction: A Cautious Outlook

Mallorca have won three of their last four meetings against Getafe, including two away victories. However, two of the last three home clashes ended in goalless draws, with the third finishing in a narrow Mallorca win. Looking ahead, the hosts are favorites, but the inconsistency of Jagoba Arrasate’s side leaves doubts over a clear-cut victory. I’m leaning toward a low-scoring affair, possibly a dull 0-0 draw. Such a result would likely end Mallorca’s European aspirations, though it remains unclear if the club prioritizes continental competition at this stage. For Getafe, this match represents a vital opportunity to secure another season in the top flight. Still, I wouldn’t completely rule out a minimal winning margin for either side.