In this preview, The Copa del Rey Round of 32 brings a fascinating clash to the Riazor this Tuesday evening as Segunda División promotion contenders RC Deportivo La Coruña host La Liga side Mallorca. This fixture is steeped in history and recent rivalry, particularly stemming from their dramatic playoff encounters in 2019. For Deportivo, currently sitting 2nd in the second tier, this is a chance to prove they belong back among the elite. For Mallorca, who find themselves in a precarious 18th position in La Liga, the cup offers a distraction from their relegation battle but also poses a risk of fatigue for a stretched squad.
The atmosphere at the Estadio Abanca-Riazor is expected to be electric, as the home fans look to push their team toward a “giant-killing” act. However, despite their lower league status, Deportivo’s recent home form has wobbled slightly, conceding six goals in their last two matches. This match preview analyzes whether the hosts can exploit Mallorca’s defensive frailties or if the top-tier quality of the Islanders will prevail in what promises to be a thrilling home vs away betting preview.
RC Deportivo La Coruna Vs Mallorca Match Preview
Team Recent Form
Deportivo started the month strong but has stumbled in the last week, suffering back-to-back home defeats that have slightly dampened their automatic promotion charge. Mallorca, conversely, seems to be finding some resilience, unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions, including a morale-boosting win over Elche last weekend.
- RC Deportivo La Coruña: L L W W W
- Mallorca: W D W D L
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Key Stats
- Defensive Leaks: Both teams have struggled to keep the door shut recently. Deportivo has conceded 6 goals in their last 2 home games, while Mallorca has failed to keep a clean sheet in 4 of their last 5 La Liga outings.
- Home vs Away Contrast: Mallorca’s away form in La Liga has been poor (1 win in 8), but they have found solace in the Cup on the road, scoring 3 goals in the previous round against Numancia.
- Cup Pedigree: Mallorca reached the Copa del Rey final recently (2024), showing they take this competition seriously even when league form suffers.
Correct Score Prediction
Mallorca 2-1 RC Deportivo La Coruña
This has all the makings of a tight, competitive cup tie. Deportivo will be desperate to atone for their recent home defeats, but their defensive openness is a worry against a La Liga attack. Mallorca, buoyed by their recent win against Elche, possesses the individual quality in players to punish mistakes. We expect both teams to score given the defensive stats, but the visitors’ top-flight experience should see them edge it by a single goal.
RC Deportivo La Coruna Vs Mallorca H2H
- The “Remontada” Legacy: The most famous recent meeting was the 2019 Promotion Playoff Final. Deportivo won the first leg 2-0, only for Mallorca to win the return leg 3-0 and seal promotion, a result that still stings in A Coruña.
- Goal Trends: Matches between these two at the Riazor have historically been tight, but recent defensive forms suggest this could be more open than usual.
- Tier Gap: This is the first time they meet with Deportivo in the second tier and Mallorca in the first since that fateful 2019 playoff.
Pre-Game Odds
The bookmakers have Mallorca as slight favorites due to their La Liga status, but the odds reflect the danger Deportivo poses at home. There is excellent value to be found in the goals market. Check the latest odds on Betano.
- RC Deportivo La Coruña Win: 3.60
- Draw: 3.40
- Mallorca Win: 2.05
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Team News Home
Deportivo manager Antonio Hidalgo faces some selection headaches. Defender Lucas Noubi is suspended following a red card, while midfielder Diego Villares is also out due to disciplinary accumulation. Injuries continue to plague the squad, with creative spark Luismi Cruz managing discomfort and unlikely to risk a start. Ximo Navarro remains sidelined with a muscle injury. Expect rotations, with fringe players looking to make a statement to regain their starting spots in the league.
Team News Away
Jagoba Arrasate will likely rotate his Mallorca side with one eye on the relegation fight, but he cannot afford a heavy loss. The visitors are without defensive leader Antonio Raillo, who is out until January with a broken jaw. Samu Costa is a major doubt with a thigh injury, and Pablo Torre is also nursing a muscle problem. Cup specialist Abdón Prats is expected to lead the line, having scored in previous rounds, giving Vedat Muriqi a rest.
Predicted Lineups
RC Deportivo La Coruña Predicted XI: Helton; Petxarroman, Pablo Vazquez, Barcia, Obrador; Jose Angel, Hugo Rama; Mella, Yeremay, Mario Soriano; Barbero.
Mallorca Predicted XI: Greif; Morey, Copete, Valjent, Lato; Mascarell, Morlanes; Chiquinho, Darder, Daniel Luna; Abdon Prats.
RC Deportivo La Coruna Vs Mallorca Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Mallorca to Win
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
Tip 3 – Both Teams To Score: Yes
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