In Palma, Spain, Canadian forward Cyle Larin has had some difficulties since joining Real Mallorca in August. While he has not scored any La Liga goals yet, he has excelled in the Copa del Rey tournament.
Hailing from Brampton, Ontario, Larin went scoreless in his first 10 La Liga appearances for the club as a substitute. However, he finally scored his first goal in a 4-0 win over CD Boiro in the Copa del Rey in November.
Little did Larin know that this goal would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey for Real Mallorca, who have now reached the final of the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2003, when they won the trophy with Samuel Eto’o leading the way.
Despite not finding the net in the semi-final, Larin has managed to score four goals in six Copa del Rey appearances, including a crucial winner against Tenerife and another goal in a surprise victory over Girona.
Now, as Mallorca prepares for the final against Athletic Bilbao in Seville, Larin is expected to play a vital role after impressing the coach, Javier Aguirre.
Larin is eager to continue his success in the Copa del Rey and help Mallorca achieve more unexpected victories, especially after the club faced relegation to Spain’s third tier eight years ago.
“This game is special for us, and everyone at Mallorca is focused on winning and doing something incredible,” Larin stated. “This season has been tough, but this gives us hope to build something.”
Mallorca’s recent form has been positive, with a 0-0 draw against Valencia leaving them in 15th place in La Liga, six points above the relegation zone as they aim to secure a fourth consecutive season in the top flight.
Although Larin is eager to add more La Liga goals to his name, his primary focus at the moment is on the final against Athletic Bilbao.
“We might not be the favorites, but we have already proven ourselves in the Copa del Rey matches. We will give our all against a strong team this weekend,” Larin expressed.
If Larin can continue his Copa del Rey scoring streak and lead Mallorca to victory, he will join the ranks of Eto’o, who played a pivotal role in the club’s 2003 final win.
Larin, who holds the national record for goals scored for Canada, is determined to make his mark in the final and create more memorable moments for Mallorca.
“I have watched videos of Eto’o scoring in the final, and it’s special to have the opportunity to play in a cup final,” Larin said
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Clare Fallon)
