Mallorca Vs Getafe

Mallorca are set to host Getafe at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Sunday in what promises to be a crucial encounter for both sides as the 2024-25 La Liga season nears its conclusion. The stakes are high for the home side, who remain in contention for a spot in European competition next season, while the visitors are looking to mathematically secure their place in Spain's top flight.

Currently sitting 10th in the standings with 47 points, Mallorca trail the Conference League qualification spot by just one point and two places. This gives them every incentive to take all three points at home this weekend. Getafe, on the other hand, are down in 15th place with 39 points after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Despite their position, the Azulones only need two more points from their final two matches to guarantee survival, and even a draw could prove enough depending on other results.

Mallorca's midweek outing ended in disappointment as they fell 2-1 to Real Madrid. Jagoba Arrasate's team took an early lead with their only shot on target in the first half, but eventually succumbed to goals from Kylian Mbappe and a 95th-minute winner from Jacobo Ramon. Despite the defeat, the islanders' ability to hold off the European champions for so long was commendable.

However, concerns remain over Mallorca's attacking output. They have managed just three goals across their last five La Liga games, failing to score in three of them. This lack of cutting edge has hampered their push for Europe, especially during a run that has seen them win just one of their past five league outings, suffering three defeats along the way. In fact, they have only won four of their last 19 matches in all competitions, losing 10 during that stretch.

The team will be hoping that home advantage plays a decisive role. Their recent form at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix has been relatively solid, with three wins and only one loss from their last six home fixtures. That form will need to continue if they are to take their fight for Europe to the final day, where they will meet eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano, who currently sit just a point ahead of them. With Osasuna in ninth on 48 points, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Getafe, meanwhile, arrive in Mallorca with survival on their minds. Their performance against Athletic Bilbao left much to be desired, particularly in attack. They generated an expected goals tally of less than 0.5, registered only one shot on target, and recorded just 11 touches in the opposition penalty box. This lack of attacking intent has been a recurring theme for the capital club.

Jose Bordalas's side have a five-point cushion over 18th-placed Leganes, the highest-ranked team in the relegation zone. A win on Sunday would seal safety for Getafe, as would a Leganes failure to beat Las Palmas on the same day. These permutations mean that while the pressure is not at its peak, Getafe would do well to ensure their safety without relying on other teams' results.

Recent meetings between these two teams have favored Mallorca. The islanders claimed a 1-0 victory at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez in the reverse fixture back in December. In fact, Getafe have failed to beat Mallorca in their last four encounters, losing three of them. This poor record will be in the back of the visitors' minds as they take to the field on Sunday.

Compounding Getafe's worries is their dreadful form heading into this match. The Madrid-based club are currently on a six-game losing streak in La Liga. During this period, they have conceded 11 goals and failed to find the net in any of their last five matches. Their problems extend to their away form as well, having lost each of their past three matches on the road without scoring. This is in stark contrast to an earlier spell where they won eight out of ten away fixtures.

In summary, Mallorca have everything to play for as they chase a European dream that remains just within reach. Their home form has been a source of strength, and recent history against Getafe bodes well. However, their struggle to consistently score goals could hinder their push. Getafe, though not yet safe, are within touching distance of securing their top-flight status for another season. But to do so, they must overcome a torrid run of form and an opponent they’ve struggled against in recent years. Sunday's clash promises to be a tense, high-stakes affair with implications at both ends of the La Liga table.