Deportivo Alavés on the Brink of Relegation, RCD Mallorca Secures Safety
Deportivo Alavés' Demise: A Season of Misfortunes
Deportivo Alavés' once-promising season has taken a drastic turn, culminating in the club's imminent relegation from LaLiga. The Basque side, which had impressed in recent seasons and even reached the Copa del Rey final in 2017, has endured a disastrous campaign marked by managerial changes, player departures, and a woeful run of form.
The club's downward spiral began early in the season, with a string of poor results leading to the dismissal of manager Javi Calleja in October. His replacement, José Luis Mendilibar, initially provided a brief respite, but the team's fortunes failed to improve, and he was sacked in January.
Deportivo Alavés' struggles were compounded by the loss of key players during the winter transfer window. The departure of Lucas Pérez, their leading scorer, was particularly damaging, as the team lacked a consistent source of goals throughout the second half of the season.
RCD Mallorca's Triumph: A Resurgence of Hope
In stark contrast to Deportivo Alavés' plight, RCD Mallorca has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent months, securing its safety in LaLiga with two games to spare. The Balearic Islanders, who had been languishing in the relegation zone for much of the season, have transformed their fortunes under the guidance of manager Luis García Plaza.
García Plaza, appointed in February, has implemented a more attacking brand of football, which has revitalized the team's performances. RCD Mallorca has won six of its last eight matches, including an impressive victory over FC Barcelona at Camp Nou.
The team's resurgence has been built around the impressive form of striker Vedat Muriqi, who has scored eight goals in his last nine appearances. Muriqi's goalscoring prowess has been complemented by the creativity of midfielders Dani Rodríguez and Salva Sevilla.
LaLiga Race for Survival: Final Two Games
With just two games remaining in the season, the battle for survival in LaLiga is reaching its climax. Deportivo Alavés, currently 19th in the table, faces an uphill task to avoid relegation. The Basque side must win both of its remaining matches and hope that other results go their way.
RCD Mallorca, on the other hand, is in a more comfortable position, sitting three points above the relegation zone. The Balearic Islanders need just one point from their final two games to secure their safety.
Conclusion
The contrasting fortunes of Deportivo Alavés and RCD Mallorca in the final stages of the LaLiga season provide a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. Deportivo Alavés' relegation is a cautionary tale of the consequences of a poor season, while RCD Mallorca's resurgence is a testament to the power of a change in management and a revitalized team spirit.