The Spanish outfit secured a statement 3-0 victory over the reigning European champions to ensure the Ciutat de Palma Trophy remains on the island.
Mallorca blew PSG away on Wednesday, cruising to an emphatic 3-0 victory over the reigning European champions to clinch the Ciutat de Palma Trophy. Strikes from Zito Luvumbo, Jan Virgili, and Antonio Raillo sealed the result in what was the Parisians’ first outing of the summer.
Missing a host of stars still recovering from their World Cup exploits, the French giants—set to defend their Champions League crown this term—fielded a heavily rotated side, with over half of the matchday squad comprised of academy graduates.
There was a sense of renewal at the Son Moix. Following the heartbreak of relegation just months ago, the islanders are determined to steady the ship and exorcise past demons as they embark on a fresh chapter under the best possible circumstances.
The ‘bermellon’ faithful made their passion known during the pre-match squad presentation, with Jan Virgili receiving the warmest of welcomes. Amid swirling transfer speculation, the teenage prodigy let his football do the talking, prompting the home crowd to chant “Stay, Virgili” after he found the net.
The visitors showed early glimpses of quality through Kvaratskhelia, while Mbaye rattled the crossbar, but it was Zito Luvumbo who took centre stage on the right flank. Fed by an exquisite Virgili pass, he danced past Koukaba before driving into the six-yard box to fire home a magnificent goal.
Exploiting gaps in Luis Enrique’s defensive transition, the Catalan forward doubled the advantage with a delicate chip over Safonov. The deficit could have been greater by the interval had the Russian goalkeeper not produced a vital save to keep the score respectable.
The complexion of the contest remained unchanged after the break. Benefiting from a more advanced pre-season schedule, Mallorca remained in the ascendancy, while PSG never found the key, despite making multiple substitutions.
The victory was made safe via a set-piece. Alex Sala marked his home debut in style, delivering a pinpoint corner for Antonio Raillo to power a header past Chevalier.
Adrian Fuentes nearly added a fourth after a marauding solo run past Lucea, only to be denied by the French keeper moments before making way for local hero Abdon Prats.
The tempo subsided in the final fifteen minutes. PSG’s attacks lacked the necessary bite to break down a resolute home side, who managed their lead comfortably until the final whistle.
While PSG leave Palma de Mallorca with much-needed fitness under their belts, they return to Paris with very few certainties. In contrast, the ‘bermellon’ continue to gather momentum as they look ahead to their La Liga Hypermotion opener in ten days’ time.
