2024 Mallorca Fives 5-a-side Football Tournament Tour Report Plate Final

Results

RAF (Por)

The Yol (Eng)

The first final of the day would see The Yol versus RAF. With seven games of football already under their belt the two teams would need to summon one last burst of energy to ensure they would be picking up winners and not runners-up medals in the presentation. Let's have a look at the two teams:

The Yol (Eng)

Best appearance to date: 2023 Barcelona Fives Cup Runners-Up

Record today: Played 7, Won 4, Drawn 1, Lost 2.

Goal difference today: 14-9 (+5)

Current unbeaten run: 5 games.

Today's top goalscorer: Cash Radford (6)

Clean sheets: 4

RAF (Por)

Best appearance to date: 2015 Algarve Open winners, 2022 Lisbon Tournament Runners-Up, 2019 Lisbon Tournament Plate Winners.

Record today: Played 5, Won 3, Drawn 2, Lost 2.

Goal difference today: 11-9 (+2)

Current unbeaten run: 3 games.

Today's top goalscorer: Tiago Sousa (4)

Clean sheets: 3

The Yol had a slow start but were since unbeaten in their last 5 games. In 4 of those games they had kept clean sheets. Following two opening defeats they'd really found the formula that worked for them. In many ways it was similar to their run to the 2022 Barca final where they lost their first game then went 6 unbeaten to reach the final. They lost that final so they'll hope that's where the similarities end.

RAF hadn't seemed to be at their most brilliant best so far today and there was a feeling they were playing within themselves a little bit but at the Semi-Final stage they seemed to regain their form and be peaking at just the right time with a 5-0 victory.

When the results were in, the Plate Final at the 2024 Mallorca Fives saw an emphatic victory for RAF from Portugal as they triumphed 5-1 over The Yol from England. RAF delivered a clinical performance, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity to secure the Plate title.

The match began with both teams eager to assert dominance, but it was RAF who quickly took control. Andre Mateus proved to be the star of the first half, netting two goals to give RAF a commanding lead. As the second half commenced, The Yol attempted to mount a comeback, but it was RAF who struck again. Cristiano Silva extended RAF's lead to 3-0. Despite The Yol's efforts, they struggled to break down RAF's resolute defense.

Midway through the second half, Joe Holmes managed to pull one back for The Yol. His goal, a well-taken strike, was his fourth of the day and earned him a spot on the top goalscorer leaderboard. However, it proved to be merely a consolation as RAF continued to dominate.

Cristiano Silva added his second of the match to make it 4-1, showcasing RAF's relentless attacking force. Hugo Dias then put the icing on the cake with a fifth goal, sealing an impressive 5-1 victory for the Portuguese side.

Please spare a thought for The Yol as they collected runners-up medals in the presentation. They were bridesmaids again as they were in Barcelona 18months ago. It should be noted though they played the whole day with just 5 players which is a remarkable achievement of skill, fitness and resolve against larger squads. With a fuller squad, will it be third time lucky for success next time out.

With this victory, RAF added another trophy to their impressive collection, demonstrating why they are considered one of the most formidable teams in the eurofootballfives.com tournaments.

Huge congratulations to the 2024 Mallorca Fives Plate winners…

….. RAF!

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