Martinez Double Lifts Alaves Past Mallorca in Six-Pointer

Alaves secured a vital 2-1 victory over Mallorca at Estadio Mendizorrotza on Saturday afternoon, with Antonio Martinez's double proving decisive in a crucial La Liga encounter.

The hosts dominated the early exchanges despite missing key players Lucas Boyé and Carlos Benavídez through injury. Martinez opened the scoring with a clinical finish, capitalizing on excellent build-up play from the home side. Carles Aleña provided width and pace down the right flank, causing problems for Mallorca's makeshift defense.

Mallorca, without injured goalkeeper Lucas Bergström and center-back Antonio Raíllo, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. The visitors' best moments came through Samuel de Almeida Costa in midfield, who orchestrated play from deep and registered an assist for their eventual goal.

Martinez doubled Alaves' advantage in the second period, showcasing the finishing instincts that have made him such a valuable asset this season. His movement in the box was exemplary, finding space between Mallorca's defensive lines with ease.

Mallorca refused to go quietly though, and Jan Virgili pulled one back with a well-taken strike that set up a nervy finale. The forward's goal demonstrated good composure under pressure, but it ultimately came too late to salvage a point for the visitors.

Tactically, Alaves' direct approach paid dividends. Antonio Blanco Conde was instrumental in breaking up Mallorca's attacking moves, recording five tackles from his defensive midfield position. Pablo Ibáñez provided additional width and work rate, contributing three tackles while supporting the attacking phases.

For Mallorca, the absence of key personnel showed. Without Bergström's reliability between the posts and Raíllo's defensive leadership, they looked vulnerable throughout. Omar Mascarell and Sergi Darder tried to control the tempo in midfield but couldn't provide enough creativity to unlock a well-organized Alaves defense.

This result moves Alaves further away from relegation danger while dealing a blow to Mallorca's European ambitions. With both teams missing important players through injury and suspension, squad depth proved crucial in determining the outcome.

The victory extends Alaves' recent good form and gives them valuable breathing room in the table. For Mallorca, it's back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back from this disappointing defeat in their next outing.