Pontevedra CF delivered a stunning upset against RCD Mallorca with a decisive 3-0 victory in the Copa del Rey, knocking out the reigning runners-up of the competition. The match unfolded at the Estadio Municipal de Pasarón on January 3, 2025, where the Galician side showcased dominance over their higher-tier opponents, as they extended their impressive campaign.
The atmosphere was electric as the match kicked off, with 10,292 spectators filling the stadium, eager to witness what many anticipated would be a tough outing for the fourth-tier team against the top-flight Mallorca. Yet, as the game progressed, it became evident just how wrong those expectations were.
Under the guidance of manager Yago Iglesias, Pontevedra started strong and maintained pressure throughout the first half. They took the lead midway through the first half with spectacular play from Dalisson, who scored with a stunning strike from around 25 meters, sending the home crowd roaring with approval.
According to reports from local sports news, “Dalisson electrified the Galician supporters with a spectacular strike from 25 meters to put his side ahead 1-0.” This goal not only changed the dynamics of the match but also set the tone for Pontevedra's confident play, which saw them dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
Despite their early goal, Pontevedra refused to sit back. Their offensive mentality paid off immediately after halftime, where Yelko Pino scored another sensational goal, effectively doubling their lead to 2-0. The Spanish media described this sequence of play as the mark of a team unwilling to simply be content with defending their one-goal advantage.
With time dwindling, Mallorca attempted to rally, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Pontevedra’s resolute defense and quick counterattacks. Jagoba Arrasate, Mallorca's head coach, expressed his discontent post-match, stating, “We are very hurt, and we deserve this pain.” His words reflected the disappointment felt throughout the Mallorca camp, which faced substantial challenges leading up to the Supercopa de España.
Moments after the second goal, Mallorca finally found their footing and created several chances. Abdón Prats went close to scoring, but his shot narrowly missed the target, illustrating the frustration felt by the visitors. Even as they grew more aggressive, the disparities between the teams became increasingly clear.
The turning point came when defensive errors compounded Mallorca’s misery. A costly mistake by Copete, resulting from miscommunication, allowed veteran forward Rufo to score Pontevedra’s third goal after capitalizing on the opportunity. This final goal sealed the emphatic victory for Pontevedra and highlighted the vast differences between both teams’ performances.
Analysts following the match noted the “absurd” nature of Mallorca's display, emphasizing how they failed to show the quality expected from teams competing at the highest level of Spanish football. This defeat has raised serious concerns about their current form, especially with major competitions approaching.
With their victory, Pontevedra CF not only secured their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey but continued their extraordinary run, having already eliminated higher-ranked teams like Levante and Villarreal previously. Their outstanding performance has garnered respect and admiration, propelling them forward as potential dark horses of the tournament.
Reflecting on the outcome, Iglesias praised his team’s resolve and performance, demonstrating the spirit of cup football where determination often outweighs perceived statistics. The ramifications for both sides following this match cannot be understated: Pontevedra revels in the euphoria of success, whereas Mallorca must urgently reassess their strategies moving forward.
For Pontevedra, the dream continues as they advance, facing new challenges with their eyes firmly set on making history. On the other hand, the Mallorca players will need to regroup and regain confidence, trying to shake off the heavy weight of this loss as they prepare for their upcoming duel at the Supercopa.