Mallorca eyes three points as rayo's conference high looms large

A crucial La Liga encounter awaits as Mallorca hosts Rayo Vallecano, with both sides desperate to avoid the drop.

Defensive headaches for demichelis

Head coach Jorge Demichelis will have to do without several key defenders as Raíllo and Mateo Joseph are sidelined with injuries. Martin Valjent serves a suspension for accumulated yellow cards, leaving Demichelis with a thin pool to choose from. Lucas Bergstrom remains unavailable.

Despite the adversity, Demichelis has hinted at minimal changes to his starting XI, with Mascarell potentially starting at center-back and Pablo Torre and Darder returning to the lineup.

Muriqi faces stern test against lejeune

The duel between Mallorca's top scorer Vedat Muriqi and Rayo's veteran center-back Julien Lejeune promises to be a compelling one. Lejeune, who has been troubled by a knock, will be tasked with containing the pacy Kosovan, whose goal-scoring threat has become increasingly ominous.

Prediction: Despite Rayo's historical Conferencetriumph, the weight of their upcoming Athens showdown may prove too much to focus on, allowing Mallorca to capitalize and snatch three precious points.

Score: Mallorca 1-0 Rayo Vallecano