PALMA, Spain, Jan 25, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Real Mallorca reached the Copa del
Rey semi-finals with a gripping 3-2 win over Spanish league leaders Girona on
Wednesday.

Abdon Prats struck twice after Cyle Larin opened the scoring to send Mallorca
into a commanding three-goal lead in front of their jubilant fans.

However Girona battled back in the second half with goals from Cristhian
Stuani and Savinho as Mallorca held on with 10 men after Antonio Raillo was
sent off.

Choosing to prioritise their shock title challenge, Girona coach Michel
Sanchez made various changes from his strongest side, resting Artem Dovbyk,
Yan Couto and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

Canada international Larin sent the hosts ahead with a clinical finish in the
21st minute as Girona's defence evaporated.

Mallorca doubled their lead before the half hour mark when Prats drove home
superbly from outside the area after the ball fell kindly to him.

Javier Aguirre's side were awarded a penalty in the 34th minute after Antal
Yaakobishvili blocked Larin's shot with the back of his arm.

Prats sent Juan Carlos the wrong way from the spot to further extend
Mallorca's lead.

Michel sent on Couto and La Liga's joint top goalscorer Dovbyk to try and
fight back and his team almost managed it.

Stuani netted from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Raillo, who was
then sent off for dissent.

Dovbyk came close before Savinho struck in stoppage time to give Girona hope,
but they could not find a last-gasp leveller.

Mallorca, who won the cup in 2003, last reached the semi-finals in 2009.

Later Wednesday Barcelona visit Athletic Bilbao in another quarter-final,
while Atletico Madrid face Sevilla on Thursday.

Real Sociedad beat Celta Vigo on Tuesday to become the first team to reach
the last four.