In a tense and cagey Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Real Sociedad failed to capitalize on their chances, drawing 0-0 with Mallorca at Son Moix. This marks La Real’s third consecutive goalless draw, leaving the tie wide open heading into the second leg at the Reale Arena.
Javier Aguirre’s Mallorca, fresh off a demoralizing 4-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, used the cup tie as a welcome distraction. Their fans were in fine voice, creating a rousing atmosphere that spurred the hosts to a lively start.
However, Imanol Alguacil’s visitors weren’t fazed. They felt hard done by when a potential penalty for a challenge on Ander Barrenetxea was waved away early on. Undeterred, they pushed for the opener, with Abdón Prats and Umar Sadiq both coming close but ultimately missing the target.
The second half was a physical affair, with Jose Copete’s yellow card setting the tone for a scrappy battle. Mallorca seemed content to wait for their chance, nearly taking the lead through Prats’ effort that grazed the post. Just like in the first half, Sociedad grew into the game, with Sadiq missing a golden opportunity from close range, thankfully saved by the offside flag.
With the game petering out into an uninspiring finale, Mallorca brought on the towering Vedat Muriqi to bolster their attack. However, it was Sociedad’s Sadiq who had the final chance to snatch a winner, inexplicably firing over from a good position. The miss summed up the night for both sides, leaving the tie finely balanced before they meet again in San Sebastian.
Despite failing to register a single shot on target, Mallorca will be happy to head back home with a clean sheet and the tie all square. Meanwhile, Sociedad will rue their missed opportunities, knowing they should have taken an advantage back to their own stadium.
Man of the Match: Samú Costa (Mallorca)
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