Survival Sunday: Levante and Mallorca Battle for La Liga Lives
Level on points in 18th and 19th, both teams need a miracle to avoid relegation
Sunday's clash at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia promises to be one of the most dramatic encounters of the La Liga season, with Levante and Mallorca deadlocked on 39 points and fighting for their top-flight survival.
Both sides enter this crucial fixture in contrasting form. Levante have shown signs of life recently with an encouraging WWLDW run that includes back-to-back victories, suggesting they're finding their fight when it matters most. Mallorca, however, have struggled for consistency with their LDWLD sequence highlighting their inability to string results together when every point counts.
The key battle will likely be fought in the full-back positions, where both teams boast their standout performers. Levante's Jeremy Toljan has been exceptional this season, earning an impressive 88 SAM rating while contributing four assists from left-back. His 4.8 points per game average makes him a genuine fantasy asset and a crucial attacking outlet for the hosts.
Mallorca will counter with Johan Mojica on their left flank, whose 87 SAM rating and three assists demonstrate similar attacking threat. The Colombian's 4.6 points per game shows he's been one of their most reliable performers in what's been a difficult campaign.
Between the sticks, Levante hold a significant advantage with Mathew Ryan's 83 SAM rating and solid 5.2 points per game, especially with Mallorca's first-choice keeper Lucas Bergström sidelined through injury.
Injuries are plaguing both squads at the worst possible time. Levante will be without key midfielder Kervin Arriaga due to yellow card accumulation, while K. Tunde's muscle injury further depletes their options. Mallorca face defensive concerns with Antonio Raíllo ruled out, potentially disrupting their backline stability.
With goal difference slightly favoring Mallorca (-11 vs -15), even a draw could prove crucial in the final relegation calculations. Expect a cagey affair where defensive solidity trumps attacking flair, as neither side can afford costly mistakes in this winner-takes-all encounter.