GIRONA, Spain — A first-half goal from Samú Costa was enough to give Mallorca a 1-0 win at Girona on Friday, further tightening the relegation fight in La Liga.
The victory lifted Mallorca above Girona on goal difference into 15th place in the 20-team table. Both clubs now sit four points clear of the relegation zone.
Relegation Race Intensifies
Only six points separate Rayo Vallecano in 11th place from second-from-bottom Levante, making every match crucial in the battle to avoid relegation.
Mallorca controlled much of the opening 45 minutes and was rewarded seconds before halftime when Costa rose unmarked in the box to head home Johan Mojica's lofted cross from the left.
Girona pushed harder in the second half, but the woodwork and goalkeeper Leo Roman preserved Mallorca's lead.
Stuani: "We Have to Give It Everything"
Veteran striker Cristhian Stuani acknowledged the defeat was tough to take, saying: "It's getting more difficult. We have to grit our teeth and give it everything."