Real Mallorca battled hard and beat Sevilla 1-0 on Saturday night, but the manner of the defeat will provide many sleepless nights for the visitors and their recently appointed head coach Diego Alonso. Even though he’s bound to be given some time to get the team winning, the Uruguayan is already feeling the pressure, the sense un injustice and a distinct lack of good fortune.Youssef En-Nesyri thought he’d given Sevilla a point, but a lengthy VAC check determined that the ball had touched his elbow on the way to Predrag Rajkovic’s net. The goal was disallowed, and Alonso was left to rue another loss.Sevilla returned to the Andalusian capital in the early hours of Sunday after the second league defeat in Diego Alonso’s tenure, which, in seven matchdays, has seen five draws and no victories. Their record in the Spanish league, coupled with three losses in the Champions League, reflects a terrifying balance. They haven’t clinched a win in their first ten matches against professional teams. Their only respite is seen in the Copa del Rey, for now.Sevilla’s Marko Dmitrovic on the VAR for the disallowed goal:”We cannot allow these things in football. The VAR came in to make football fairer and we cannot go this far with each play, nor play in slow motion.”“For me it is a 100% valid goal, Youssef cannot cut his hand.” pic.twitter.com/H9OaEABhXt— LaLigaExtra (@LaLigaExtra) December 10, 2023 At any other time in recent Sevillian history, this situation would have probably led to the coach’s departure. To put it in perspective, if Sevilla defeats Getafe next Sunday, they will accumulate eight points in eight games under the Uruguayan manager—precisely the same as previous coach Jose Luis Mendilibar managed this season. Where is the Basque coach now? However, given that Alonso was a choice made by the current sporting director rather than the former one, he is being afforded more time. The question remains: how much more, as long as this trend continues, dragging Sevilla down in the league table?The club is becoming increasingly anxious, especially after a recent shareholders’ meeting, where their power was reaffirmed, albeit without the support of shareholders or the average fan. Sporting director Victor Orta is the main advocate for the Uruguayan coach. He believes that several unfavourable factors are preventing better results and that the tide will turn once the long-awaited victory arrives. Additionally, external factors are excessively tormenting a team whose morale is increasingly affected. Dodi Lukebakio’s injury is the latest in an endless series since the last break. Ten injuries. Too many. Luck is not on their side, either. Each passing day brings more inexplicable occurrences. Sevilla usually creates more chances than their opponents. And they end up losing.##NAJAVA_MECA_7729518##In Mallorca, the refereeing performance added fuel to the fire. The Sevillistas felt very aggrieved, and their grievances are valid. This new controversy will once again buy time for Diego Alonso and his Sevilla, with a decisive match next Tuesday in France. They need a win to secure third place; otherwise, they will bid farewell to Europe prematurely. Another setback in a season that shows no signs of improvement. Following the European clash, three league games remain – Getafe (home), Granada, and Atletico. That is the timeframe the club will take to determine whether they need a second change in the dugout. The calendar continues to play in favour of Alonso and Orta. The leaders feel the external pressure. At least they play only one home game out of four. Perhaps, they hope, this could save them from public scrutiny. A Sevilla that might end up in the relegation zone by Christmas. Another year of fighting for survival.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 16Friday Getafe – Valencia 1-0 (0-0)/Mayoral 87/Saturday Alaves – Las Palmas 0-1 (0-1)/Rodriguez 31/Real Betis – Real Madrid 1-1 (0-0)/Ruibal 66 – Bellingham 53/Villarreal – Real Sociedad 0-3 (0-3)/Merino 38, Zubimendi 41, Kubo 45+4/Real Mallorca – Sevilla 1-0 (1-0)/Larin 11/Sunday 16.00: (1.27) Atl.Madrid (6.75) Almeria (11.0)18.15: (5.60) Granada (3.90) Ath.Bilbao (1.73)20.30: (3.10) Cadiz (3.15) Osasuna (2.65)22.00: (1.58) Barcelona (4.40) Girona (6.50)Monday 23.00: (2.52) Rayo Vallecano (3.30) Celta (2.95)***odds are subject to change
