Sadiq Umar scored a second half equaliser to earn Valencia a 1-1 draw at Mallorca on Tuesday, with both sides still hovering just above the LaLiga relegation zone.
The result leaves Valencia 13th on 36 points from 32 matches, only four points clear of the bottom three, with several teams below them holding games in hand.
Coach Carlos Corberán handed Sadiq a starting role despite the forward’s recent goal drought, but Valencia struggled to assert control in the opening half.
Mallorca created the better chances early on, though they were unable to convert, while Sadiq found limited space and influence in attack.
The hosts broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Samu Costa headed in from a cross delivered by Sergi Darder in the 49th minute.
Valencia responded by increasing their intensity, pushing forward in search of a way back into the game. Their efforts paid off in the 67th minute when Javi Guerra flicked a header into the area, allowing Sadiq to react quickly and score with a diving effort.
It was the striker’s first goal since mid February and only his second league goal for Valencia since joining the club earlier this year.
Sadiq nearly added a second in the closing stages, attempting a long range strike in the 81st minute, but the effort was comfortably saved.
Neither side was able to find a winner despite late pressure, leaving both teams to settle for a point in a match shaped by caution and urgency.
Valencia’s season has been marked by inconsistency, and while Sadiq has shown flashes of impact, his overall output remains limited, with two goals and two assists in 14 league appearances.
With six matches remaining, Valencia remain in a fragile position as they look to avoid being drawn into the relegation battle.
