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Mallorca beat Girona to reach Copa del Rey semis

cricket24 January 2024 20:49| © AFP
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Abdon Prats (L) © Gallo Images

Real Mallorca reached the Copa del Rey semifinals with a gripping 3-2 win over Spanish league leaders Girona on Wednesday.

Abdon Prats struck twice after Cyle Larin opened the scoring to send Mallorca into a commanding three-goal lead in front of their jubilant fans.

However Girona battled back in the second half with goals from Cristhian Stuani and Savinho as Mallorca held on with 10 men after Antonio Raillo was sent off.

Choosing to prioritise their shock title challenge, Girona coach Michel Sanchez made various changes from his strongest side, resting Artem Dovbyk, Yan Couto and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Canada international Larin sent the hosts ahead with a clinical finish in the 21st minute as Girona's defence evaporated.

Mallorca doubled their lead before the half hour mark when Prats drove home superbly from outside the area after the ball fell kindly to him.

Javier Aguirre's side were awarded a penalty in the 34th minute after Antal Yaakobishvili blocked Larin's shot with the back of his arm.

Prats sent Juan Carlos the wrong way from the spot to further extend Mallorca's lead.

Michel sent on Couto and LaLiga's joint top goalscorer Dovbyk to try and fight back and his team almost managed it.

Stuani netted from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Raillo, who was then sent off for dissent.

Dovbyk came close before Savinho struck in stoppage time to give Girona hope, but they could not find a last-gasp leveller.

Mallorca, who won the cup in 2003, last reached the semifinals in 2009.

Later on Wednesday Barcelona visit Athletic Bilbao in another quarterfinal, while Atletico Madrid face Sevilla on Thursday.

Real Sociedad beat Celta Vigo on Tuesday to become the first team to reach the last four.

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