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Mallorca is looking to strengthen its push for a top-six finish in La Liga as it prepares to face a struggling Alaves side at home on Sunday night. With the race for European qualification intensifying, the team will be eager to secure three points in front of their supporters and take advantage of their opponents' poor away record this season.

Currently positioned eighth in the league table with 35 points from 25 matches, Mallorca finds itself level on points with sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano. This close proximity to the European spots means that every point gained or dropped could be decisive in the final standings. However, competition remains fierce, as only five points separate them from 14th-placed Getafe, highlighting the need for consistency in the remaining fixtures.

Under the guidance of head coach Jagoba Arrasate, Mallorca has been steadily improving in recent years, but they have yet to re-establish themselves as a top-tier contender in Spanish football. Their recent finishes of 16th, ninth, and 15th in La Liga demonstrate the club's fluctuating fortunes, but this season presents a golden opportunity to break into the upper echelon once again. The last time Mallorca finished in the top six was back in the 2009-10 campaign when they secured fifth place, and fans are hopeful that history could repeat itself this term.

Playing at home has provided Mallorca with a solid foundation this season, as they have picked up 19 points from their 13 matches at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. This statistic will give them confidence heading into the clash against Alaves, who have struggled mightily on the road. The visitors have only managed nine points from their 13 away games so far in the 2024-25 campaign, a concerning record that further tilts the odds in favor of the home side.

Earlier this season, however, Alaves managed to get the better of Mallorca, claiming a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture. Last season, when these two sides met at the same venue, the contest ended in a goalless draw. Mallorca will be eager to ensure that this time around, they make their home advantage count and take full points from their opponents.

On the other side, Alaves has endured a difficult campaign, finding itself mired in the relegation battle. The team, currently placed 19th in the standings, is just one point adrift of 17th-placed Las Palmas, meaning that survival is still within reach if they can string together a positive run of results. However, their recent form does little to inspire confidence. Under the leadership of Eduardo Coudet, Alaves has gone five matches without a win in La Liga, suffering three defeats in that period, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Espanyol in their most recent outing.

The team's struggles extend beyond just this recent dip in form. Since the start of November, Alaves has managed only one league victory, a worrying statistic that underscores the challenges they have faced throughout the campaign. Despite their lowly position, the battle for survival remains open, with only a few points separating the bottom clubs from safety.

Alaves' difficulties on the road have been a major factor in their struggles. With just two away victories in the league all season and eight defeats in their 13 matches outside their home stadium, their performances away from home have been a significant issue. Traveling to face a Mallorca side with a strong home record only makes the challenge steeper for Coudet’s men.

While Alaves has not been a consistent force in La Liga this season, they do have a history of resilience. Since 2016, they have only spent one season outside of Spain’s top division, showcasing their ability to compete at this level. However, their current standing suggests that they will need to produce a strong finish to the season if they want to avoid the drop to the Segunda Division.

With so much at stake for both sides, the upcoming match is expected to be a tense affair. Mallorca, chasing European qualification, will be determined to capitalize on their superior form and home advantage. Meanwhile, Alaves, desperate for points to escape relegation danger, will be fighting to claim a crucial result that could shift momentum in their favor. As the La Liga season enters its decisive phase, every fixture takes on increased significance, and this clash is no exception.