Getting Set For The Game
So yesterday I decided to catch the Mallorca vs Real Sociedad match live. Grabbed my notebook ’cause I always track stats during games – old habit from coaching rec league years ago. Made some popcorn, turned on the TV right as players were warming up. Saw Mallorca fans going crazy in the stands already. Stadium atmosphere looked electric even through the screen.
First Half Action
Kickoff happened and damn Real Sociedad came out swinging hard. They controlled the ball like it was glued to their boots. Minute 23 – their Japanese winger Kubo sliced through Mallorca’s defense like butter. One slick pass to Méndez who buried it top corner. Wrote down: “Defensive line too static – need more pressure on Kubo.” Mallorca finally woke up after that goal. Muriqi started winning aerial duels, but every cross got cleared. Halftime whistle blew with Sociedad up 1-0.
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Halftime notes:
- Mallorca midfield too slow tracking back
- Real Sociedad’s left side attack unstoppable
- Home crowd getting frustrated with ref calls
Second Half Drama
Came back from bathroom break just in time to see Mallorca sub in Dani Rodríguez. Instant impact! Dude started connecting passes like magic. Minute 68 – beautiful give-and-go with Abdón Prats who chipped the keeper. Whole stadium erupted! My notebook entry: “Rodríguez = gamechanger.” Sociedad responded brutally fast though. Barely 5 minutes later, Barrenetxea made a nasty curling shot from outside the box. Keeper got fingertips but couldn’t stop it. Final minutes got chaotic with Mallorca throwing everyone forward. Muriqi nearly scored a header in stoppage time – crossbar rang like a church bell. Fulltime 2-1 Sociedad.
Honestly? Expected better from Mallorca at home. Their defense kept ball-watching instead of marking runners. Real Sociedad’s midfield trio dominated possession all game – Merino especially ran the show. Worth noting Mallorca had way more crosses (28!) but only 3 on target. Gonna review my notes later ’cause coaching buddies wanna analyze Kubo’s movement patterns. Solid game though – that Barrenetxea strike deserves highlight reels for weeks.
