The hallowed grounds of Riazor are set to ignite once more as Deportivo de La Coruña welcomes R.C.D. Mallorca for a captivating Copa del Rey encounter. This isn’t just another football match; it’s a reunion six years in the making, a fixture laden with history, and an emotional echo of a night that forever changed the destinies of both clubs.
The Ghost of San Juan: The 2019 Promotion Playoff
For fans of both Deportivo and Mallorca, June 23, 2019, is etched deep into their collective memory. On the mystical night of San Juan, the second leg of the La Liga promotion playoff final unfolded at Son Moix. Deportivo arrived with a comfortable 2-0 advantage from the first leg at Riazor, seemingly on the brink of returning to Spain’s top flight. What followed was nothing short of epic drama.
In a thrilling and controversial contest, Los Bermellones staged a stunning 3-0 comeback, clinching promotion to La Liga in a feat of immense courage and resilience. This triumph marked Mallorca’s second consecutive ascent through the divisions, sparking unbridled joy on the island. For Los Blanquiazules, however, it was a profound wound that eventually led to a tumultuous period, culminating in their dramatic descent to Primera RFEF just a year later. The pain of that night still resonates in A Coruña.
Copa del Rey Priorities: League Battle vs. Cup Glory
Six years on, as the two teams cross paths again in the Copa del Rey, the scent of a potential ‘revenge’ lingers, but perhaps with a nuanced interpretation. While the historical rivalry remains, both clubs are currently grappling with pressing league concerns. R.C.D. Mallorca, despite a recent crucial victory, finds itself embroiled in a fierce battle for La Liga survival. Their focus, understandably, is heavily skewed towards securing top-flight status.
Meanwhile, Deportivo de La Coruña has its sights firmly set on reclaiming glory by achieving promotion back to the Segunda División. Recent back-to-back home defeats have somewhat dampened the euphoria around their league campaign, serving as a stark reminder of the challenges of the Primera RFEF. This makes the Copa del Rey tie a delicate balance for both managers, who must weigh the desire for cup progression against the imperative of league success.
Team News and Key Players
The passage of time means that very few players from that fateful 2019 night remain at Deportivo. However, Mallorca still boasts some of those heroes. Key figures like Abdón Prats, one of the goalscorers from that legendary game, is expected to feature. Defenders Raíllo and Valjent, along with midfielder Dani Rodríguez, also continue to be stalwarts for Los Bermellones, carrying the memories of that promotion triumph. For a deeper dive into current squad details, visit the Official R.C.D. Mallorca website.
Given Mallorca‘s upcoming vital La Liga fixture, coach Javier Aguirre is expected to implement significant squad rotation. This presents an opportunity for squad players to shine and for Deportivo to capitalize on a potentially less-than-full-strength opponent. On the other side, Deportivo coach Antonio Hidalgo faces pressure after recent league setbacks. He’ll likely field a strong side, with players like Rubén López and Cristian Herrera, Los Blanquiazules‘ top scorer in the cup, eager to make an impact. Keep up with Deportivo‘s latest news on their Official Deportivo de La Coruña website.
What’s at Stake in Riazor?
For Deportivo, a victory would be a tremendous psychological boost, propelling them into the Copa del Rey Round of 16 for the first time in 15 years and offering a much-needed respite from their league worries. It could reignite fan enthusiasm and provide momentum for their promotion push. Conversely, another home defeat could intensify discontent among supporters, particularly if the team’s performance doesn’t show significant improvement.
For Mallorca, progression would mean a continued cup run, a chance for fringe players to impress, and an opportunity to maintain winning habits. However, the risk of fatigue or injury to key players ahead of critical league games is a concern. The Copa del Rey, while prestigious, often requires a strategic balancing act for clubs with higher league ambitions.
As the whistle blows at Riazor, all eyes will be on this historic clash. Will Deportivo find redemption, or will R.C.D. Mallorca continue their ascendancy? One thing is certain: it promises to be a memorable evening of Spanish football.
