RCD Mallorca 2-1 Cadiz CF: RCD Mallorca came from behind to beat Cadiz CF 2-1 in the Spanish Segunda Division at the Son Moix, with Vedat Muriqi scoring the winning goal in the second half after Dani Rodríguez had cancelled out Chris Ramos’s early opener.

The result gave Mallorca an important home victory in their promotion push, while Cadiz left with a sense of frustration after taking the lead and competing well for long spells. Mallorca’s ability to respond after conceding proved decisive in a match that grew more open as the second half wore on.

Match overview

Cadiz began brightly and looked dangerous on the counter. Their direct approach caused Mallorca problems early, with Brian Ocampo finding space on the flank and Chris Ramos offering a physical presence in the box. Mallorca saw more of the ball, but their early possession lacked penetration until they found their rhythm after the half-hour mark.

Sergi Darder became increasingly influential for Mallorca, dropping deep to receive and then pushing forward to link with the front line. Dani Rodríguez’s movement between the lines also stretched Cadiz’s midfield, and the home side finished the first half strongly after a difficult opening period.

Key moments

• 17th minute: Cadiz took the lead when Ocampo delivered a dangerous cross from the left and Ramos headed it past Leo Román.
• 28th minute: Mallorca responded through Muriqi, whose header from a right-wing cross was saved by David Gil.
• 39th minute: Mallorca equalised when Dani Rodríguez arrived at the edge of the box and struck a low shot through a crowded area and into the bottom corner.
• 58th minute: Cadiz nearly regained the lead on the break, but Román made a strong save from a close-range effort.
• 73rd minute: Mallorca scored the winner when Darder’s delivery found Muriqi, who powered a header into the net.
• 87th minute: Cadiz thought they had levelled, but the flag went up for offside as Mallorca held on.

Tactical story

Mallorca’s 4-2-3-1 shape gave them control in midfield, but they had to be patient against Cadiz’s compact and direct 4-4-2. The home side’s best work came when Darder found space between Cadiz’s midfield and defence, allowing Mallorca to combine through the middle rather than relying solely on crosses.

Cadiz were dangerous in transition but dropped deeper after the equaliser, inviting Mallorca forward. That shift in momentum allowed the home side to sustain pressure and create the set-piece moment that produced the winning goal. Mallorca’s substitutions also added energy in the final 20 minutes, helping them keep Cadiz pinned back.

Standout players

Muriqi was the match-winner and a constant aerial threat, while Darder’s composure and delivery made him Mallorca’s creative hub. Dani Rodríguez’s equaliser changed the mood of the game, and Antonio Raíllo’s leadership at the back helped Mallorca manage Cadiz’s late pressure.

For Cadiz, Ramos took his goal well and gave the Mallorca defence a difficult evening. David Gil made several important saves, and Ocampo’s pace caused problems, but Cadiz could not hold on after Mallorca found their rhythm.

Segunda Division impact

The victory boosts Mallorca’s position in the Segunda Division standings and reinforces their credentials in the promotion race. Cadiz, meanwhile, will need to turn promising away performances into points as the season progresses.

Mallorca’s comeback also underlined the value of home form in a demanding division, while Cadiz can take encouragement from the way they competed before ultimately falling short at the Son Moix.