Our prediction for this Copa del Rey match:
Mallorca and Espanyol take on each other at Visit Mallorca Estadi in what is expected to be a close Copa del Rey encounter. Mallorca suffered a 2-0 loss to Levante in their last league match, and, no doubt, they are eager to give fans something to cheer about. Midfielder Daniel Rodriguez is back from suspension, while all Lee, Rodriguez, and Greif are major doubts as the trio was tested positive for coronavirus.
Los Periquitos, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from a shocking 2-1 loss to Elche. The Catalan outfit produce much better showings at home than on the travels, and seeing that Mallorca have turned their stadium into a real fortress, home win should be considered. Midfielder David Lopez is sidelined with injury, but he should be the only absentee in the away side.
Highlighted Player (Joan Sastre):
Joan Sastre, who started his youth career at Mallorca back in 2009, has been playing for los Bermellones ever since. Sastre made his senior debut with Mallorca in a 1-0 win over Peralada on August 20, 2017 and he scored his first ever goal for the islanders in a 1-1 draw with Badalona on December 10, 2017.
The pacey right back was born in Porreres, Spain on April 30, 1997 and it has to be noted that he has two caps with la Roja U19 team. Joan Sastre has established himself as a first-team regular at Mallorca, with the defender making 29 appearances in the Segunda Division last term.
The Spaniard was deployed in the starting line-up for the decider against Deportivo La Coruna where Mallorca emerged triumphant (3-0) and secured promotion to La Liga. Joan Sastre’s contract with los Bermellones should expire on June 30, 2023. His preferred foot is right.
Highlighted Team (Espanyol):
Espanyol are a Catalan club that plays in Spanish La Liga. Espanyol were founded in 1900 and their original name was Sociedad Espanola de Football. In 1901 the Catalan club changed its name to Club Espanol de Futbol. Los Periquitos used to play in bright yellow shirts in the past, but current colour of the team’s home kit is blue and white.
Espanyol’s fiercest rivals are Barcelona and the two teams face each other in the Catalan derby (Derbi barceloni). Espanyol have always been in Barca’s shadow, but it has to be noted that los Periquitos have won four Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup trophies).
The likes of Raul Tamudo, Jose Maria, Antonio Argiles and Mauricio Pochettino are players with most appearances for the Catalan outfit. Espanyol play their home games at Estadio Cornella-El Prat and the capacity of the stadium is 40,500. Los Periquitos have never participated in the Champions League.