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Opposition lowdown: Mallorca
Mallorca are the next opponents to come to the RCDE Stadium this weekend
RCD Espanyol take on RCD Mallorca on Saturday at the RCDE Stadium.
Returning from a mammoth win on the road to Elche, Diego Martínez’s men conclude February with the visit of Europe-chasing Mallorca. Every match is vital in the rise up the LaLiga table as the hosts look to push on and continue their resurgence.
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Name: RCD Mallorca
Nickname: Los Piratas (The Pirates)
Manager: Javier Aguirre
Stadium: Visit Mallorca Estadi – 23,142 capacity
Last match: W 4-2 vs Villarreal
Current position: 8th
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The season so far
Mallorca have been one of the surprise packages of the season, emerging out of a tight bottom half and not looking back. They currently sit eighth and just three points off the Europa Conference League spot, though their strong home form is contrasted by a run of four league away trips without a win.
Standout player
You cannot understand the importance of Vedat Muriqi for Mallorca’s remarkable campaign so far. The Kosovo international leads the line and the way with 10 goals in all competitions, a dominant threat in the air and driving the Pirates on in attack.
Last time at the RCDE Stadium
Espanyol were victorious the last time they hosted Mallorca at the RCDE Stadium, coming away with a 1-0 win thanks to Raúl de Tomás’ first-half strike. In fact, the pericos have a superb home record against the Balearic side, with just one defeat in the last 15 meetings with Mallorca on home soil.
Club links
The blanquiazul faithful will welcome former manager Javier Aguirre back to the Temple this Saturday. Having taken the reigns at Mallorca 11 months ago, the Mexican was previously in charge of Espanyol between 2012 and 2014.