Mallorca vs Valladolid prediction: welcome to the start of Segunda - 15.08.2026
What a way to kick off the Segunda! Right from the opening round, we’re treated to a matchup worthy of La Liga itself.
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Mallorca, fresh off their relegation from the top flight, will begin the new campaign at home as Valladolid visit the Son Moix. The match is set for August 15 at 21:30 Kyiv time.
For Mallorca, this season is all about a swift return to where they’ve spent recent years. The club is among the main favorites for promotion alongside Girona and Oviedo, so the mission is clear: fight for a place back in the big league.
There have been changes on the touchline as well. After Martin Demichelis departed this summer, Luis García has taken over as head coach. The Spanish manager has signed a contract until June 2027, with an option for another season. For García, it’s a homecoming of sorts—he already played for Mallorca as a player in the 2004/05 season.
Over the summer, Mallorca also refreshed their squad. New faces include Aboubakar Sumahoro, Arnau Puigmal, Adri Fuentes, and Zito Luvumbo. Understandably, after dropping out of La Liga, the team needed some restructuring, making these opening rounds a real test of how quickly the newcomers and coach can gel.
Valladolid enters the season with ambitions just as high. “Pucela” is another club used to competing at a higher level and is eager to bounce back to La Liga. The management kept faith in Fran Escribá, who took charge back in February, and continued to revamp the squad over the summer. Among the new arrivals: Víctor Barberá, Dani Pérez, and Kaj de Rooij.
Valladolid’s preseason ended on a high note. In their final friendly, Escribá’s squad came from behind to defeat Sporting Gijón 4-2, overturning a 0-2 deficit in just six minutes. In the second half, “Pucela” completely took over, scoring four goals—a perfect emotional boost ahead of the new campaign.
There’s an extra challenge for the visitors: Valladolid will play their first three matches away from home due to renovations at the José Zorrilla. After Mallorca, they’ll travel to Eibar and then face Cádiz. That means picking up points on the island is especially crucial.
All in all, we’re set for a clash between two teams with a clear goal—returning to La Liga. Mallorca enjoys home advantage and the backing of their fans, while Valladolid look fired up and certainly won’t be content to sit back for the full ninety minutes.
I wouldn’t rush to pick a winner here. It’s the first round, both teams have new squads, and Mallorca have a new coach—there are simply too many variables. But goals? That’s a real possibility. Valladolid finished preseason in fine scoring form, and Mallorca will surely want to start this new chapter with a statement performance at home.
My prediction: both teams to score.
