MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca Are Relegated

Real Mallorca 4 : 2 Real Valladolid

No other result mattered for Mallorca than a win. If they won and if results went the right way, they could just escape relegation. And so ...

Not a lot going on for quarter of an hour and then ... salvation time might have arrived, Alfaro putting Mallorca ahead. Valladolid, nothing to play for and having had some indifferent recent form, were surely there for the taking and for being the route to safety. And Mallorca were making most of the play. But. Oh no, the lively Omar drew a save from Aouate but there was Bueno to equalise for Valladolid.

Elsewhere, Deportivo had gone behind against Sociedad but Celta Vigo had taken the lead against Espanyol, a permutation that would mean Mallorca would be relegated regardless.

But, but, but, one moment ... Martí, the veteran midfielder Martí, one of the last players you'd expect, popped up to shoot Mallorca ahead again. Three points if things stayed the same, but safety or doom would still depend on what happened in Vigo.

Into the second half, and Aouate on saving duty after only a couple of minutes for Mallorca. Ten minutes later, though, it was Dos Santos, who else, who put Mallorca three-one up. Mallorca were doing all they could. And there was more. Valladolid were now on the end of a thumping, Márquez making it 4-1. But Vigo were still winning.

Valladolid pulled one back through Omar with 20 minutes left, but with a two-goal cushion, Mallorca's fate surely lay elsewhere, and that fate included Zaragoza going behind against Atlético, not that this really mattered. Only Vigo mattered. And Vigo did matter, holding on to beat Espanyol. Mallorca, seven points from the final three games, but relegated.

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Geromel, Bigas, Luna; Martí (Pina 89), Tissone; Alfaro (Pereira 84), Márquez, Dos Santos (Nsue 75); Victor
Goals: Alfaro (16), Martí (42), Dos Santos (57), Márquez (68)
Yellows: Geromel (49), Dos Santos (72), Márquez (79)

Valladolid:
Jaime; Rukavina, Rueda, Valiente, Peña: Rubio (Baraja 66), Pérez, Ebert (Rama 75), Bueno (Lolo 72), Omar; Larsson
Goals: Bueno (30), Omar (71)

MALLORCA TODAY - Draw in Madrid gives Mallorca hope

Atlético Madrid 0 : 0 Real Mallorca

What was billed as make or break for Mallorca in Madrid was not totally the case, and the result proved the point.

Márquez after five minutes tested Courtois as Mallorca started brightly. Atlético had a penalty appeal turned down as the game progressed evenly, Hutton matching Falcao in going close. Mallorca were forced into a change on the half hour, the injured Israeli striker Hemed being replaced by Nsue. Costa had a goal for Atlético ruled out because of offside shortly before the break as the home side began to assume dominance. A couple of minutes into the second period it was Mallorca's player of the season Dos Santos whose free kick caused Courtois some trouble, Victor's header soon after also showing that Mallorca weren't lying down. Godin, responding for Atlético, drew a stop from Aouate. Márquez again had an effort saved as Mallorca played out of their skins to get a vital away win, and it was perhaps his frustrated efforts on the evening that got Márquez a yellow a few moments later. Atlético then had another goal (this time by Falcao) ruled out for offside. Dos Santos, as ever, kept creating things for Mallorca and seven minutes before the end of normal time his shot went just past the post, and he and Hutton were involved in a right old scramble in the 88th minute that ended up being cleared by the Atlético defence.

A point for Mallorca, a remarkable point and they thoroughly deserved it. Everything now goes down to the last match of the season. The point for Mallorca puts them bottom as Vigo won away at Valladolid, who Mallorca play at home on the last day. Deportivo losing in Malaga means that Mallorca can stay up if they beat Valladolid and results go their way on 1 June.
 
Atlético:
Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luís; Suárez, Gabi (Adrián 63), Koke (Rodríguez 88), Turan (Torres 57); Costa, Falcao
Yellows: Costa (14), Gabi (47), Miranda (59), Suárez (81), Godin (82)

Mallorca:
Aouate: Hutton, Geromel, Bigas, Luna; Tissone, Martí (Alfaro 74); Dos Santos, Márquez, Victor (Pereira 83); Hemed (Nsue 31)
Yellows: Victor (17), Nsue (62), Márquez (70), Pereira (90)

MALLORCA TODAY - Athletic Bilbao 2 : 1 Real Mallorca

Maybe not decisive today, but if Mallorca lose in Bilbao, their chances of staying up become more remote.

Things got off to a bad start. Aduriz had a dust-up with Fontás and straight afterwards headed Bilbao into the lead, Tissone having given the ball away and allowed Aurtenetxe to send in a cross. Fontás, who has hardly featured this season, didn't take long to become even less of a feature. Handball in the area and he was off, following his second yellow. A let-off though for Mallorca, Aouate saving Aduriz's penalty. Into the second half, and Dos Santos, Mallorca's best player all season, saw his shot from a direct free-kick saved by Iraizoz. Mallorca were going for it, but it was Bilbao who struck through Llorente. Almost immediately, though, Mallorca were back in the game. This time, Dos Santos's free-kick beat the Bilbao keeper. Two minutes later, the Mexican had another go, only going just wide of the post. As the clock ran down, Mallorca desperate for an equaliser, Ximo picked up his second yellow. Mallorca down to nine men. Dos Santos managed one final effort but it was to no avail. Mallorca remained stuck on 29 points at the bottom of La Liga and so four points behind Osasuna in the safety spot of 17th.

With three matches to go, Mallorca still have hope, but it is fading. Osasuna (playing later today) could move up. Zaragoza are in 16th spot with 34 points, having drawn last night, and Granada, away to Sociedad on Monday, are in 15th with 35 points. Mallorca have Betis at home a week on Monday, and Betis, who are at home to lowly Vigo tomorrow, have a chance of a Europa League spot. The final two games are away to Atlético Madrid and at home against Valladolid.


Bilbao:
Iraizoz; Iraola, Ekiza, San José (Iturraspe 45), Aurtenetxe; Gurpegi, Ander; Susaeta, De Marcos, Muniain (Gómez 71); Aduriz (Llorente 55)
Goals: Aduriz (7), Llorente (78)
Yellows: Aduriz (5), Gurpegi (30), De Marcos (58), Iraola (82)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Geromel, Fontás, Ximo; Martí (Nsue 67), Pina, Tissone; Dos Santos, Victor (Arizmendi 57), Hemed
Goal: Dos Santos (80)
Reds: Fontás (24), Ximo (90)
Yellows: Fontás (5), Ximo (24), Martí (30), Hutton (74)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 1 : 1 Levante

Bottom of the league, Mallorca were up against Levante who had been dropping like a stone in recent weeks. A chance for some salvation for Mallorca? But then the same question has been asked before other games in what has not been a run-in to the end of the season packed with impossible opposition. The answer was to prove to be not really.

But it could have been more positive. Hemed popped up to score after only seven minutes, Levante were playing defensively and Mallorca were in charge. That was as good as it got though. Acquafresca equalised just before half-time following a defensive mix-up. Victor had a good header, there was a shout for a penalty because of handball, but Mallorca got nowhere. The only place they may be going is down. Four points separate Mallorca at the bottom from Osasuna in seventeenth. Four more games to; Bilbao away next Saturday, Betis at home the week after. By the time Mallorca go to Madrid to play Atlético in the penultimate game, they may already be down.

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Geromel, Conceiçao, Kevin; Martí, Pina, Nsue (Alfaro 54), Dos Santos; Victor (Arizmendi 64; Márquez 69), Hemed
Goal: Hemed (7)


Levante:
Navas; López, Navarro, Vyntra, Juanfran (Nikos 75); Iborra, Diop, Barkero (Míchel 28), Ríos, Valdo; Acquafresca (Roger 78)
Goal: Acquafresca (42)
Yellows: Iborra (3), López (45), Navarro (79)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Zaragoza 3 : 2 Real Mallorca

A real old six-pointer between bottom club Zaragoza and eighteenth-placed Mallorca. And it started well for Mallorca, Hemed heading in Dos Santos's free-kick on eleven minutes. Montañés equalised for Zaragoza some fifteen minutes later. Alfaro should have added a second for Mallorca after being put through by Hemed but a tame effort was saved by Roberto. The match was even enough until Portuguese striker Postiga headed Zaragoza into the lead after quarter of an hour of the second half. Not a lot was happening for either side, though Zaragoza were generally on top, until, with eight minutes to go, sub Arizmendi popped up to level for Mallorca. It looked like a hard-earned point for Mallorca until, with three minutes left, Rochina struck to seal Zaragoza the three points.

A desperate loss for Mallorca. There is still hope, but a loss against what was the bottom side does not bode well. A greater negative goal difference says much about why Mallorca are now bottom. The next match is at home to Levante on Sunday, 5 May. Levante are in a real old slump, not threatened with the drop but on a poor run, having lost at home earlier to Vigo. A big chance for Mallorca next week. It might be the last the team gets.



Zaragoza:
Roberto; Fernández, Sapunaru, Alvaro, Abraham; Pintér, Apoño; Rodríguez (Bienvenu 84), Rodri (Rochina 53), Montañés; Postiga
Goals: Montañés (28), Postiga (59), Rochina (87)
Yellows: Fernández (10), Rodri (17), Apoño (49)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Geromel, Conceicao (Nunes 25), López; Pina (Victor 74), Tissone, Martí; Alfaro (Arizmendi 61), Hemed, Dos Santos
Goals: Hemed (11), Arizmendi (82)
Yellows: Martí (43), Tissone (83)


Bottom six:
15. Osasuna - Played 33, Points 33 (GD -10)
16. Deportivo - Played 32, Points 30 (GD -21)
17. Vigo - Played 33, Points 30 (GD -15)
18. Zaragoza - Played 33, Points 30 (GD -21)
19. Granada - Played 32, Points 29 (GD -23)
20. Mallorca - Played 33, Points 28 (GD -31)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 1 : 1 Rayo Vallecano

The last-gasp win over Celta Vigo on Monday gave Mallorca a much-needed boost to avoid relegation. Four nights later, mid-table Rayo, who have had, by their standards, a pretty decent season, were the visitors. Another crucial three points for Mallorca?

Things did not start well. Piti putting Rayo ahead after only six minutes, but Alfaro, five minutes later, brought things back for Mallorca. A spate of yellow cards followed and very little else, other than Baptistao hitting a post for Rayo and Dos Santos falling down in the area and claiming a penalty that never was. Otherwise, tense.

The second half wasn't brilliant, and nor were Mallorca. Rayo were only so much better but hit the woodwork again and probably should have taken all three points. They didn't, but Mallorca are, on this performance, going to struggle to get out of trouble. They are fortunate, though, to have some pretty awful teams in similar trouble, one of them up next week - away at Zaragoza on Saturday, 27 April.

Mallorca:
Calatayud; Hutton, Geromel, Bigas, Kevin; Pina, Martí, Márquez (Arizmendi 76); Alfaro, Hemed (Pereira 68), Dos Santos
Goal: Alfaro (11)
Yellows: Bigas (18), Kevin (32), Hemed (46), Pina (87)

Rayo:
Rubén; Tito, Amat (Arbilla 71), Figueras, Casado; Fuego, Trashorras; Lass, Baptistao (Carlos 66), Piti; Delibasic (Tamudo 80)
Goal: Piti (6)
Yellows: Amat (14), Rubén (16), Tito (26), Lass (67)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 1 : 0 Celta Vigo

A critical game for La Liga's bottom club Mallorca against the side one place above them. Efforts from Alfaro and especially the always impressive Dos Santos went close but otherwise it was tense stuff. Hemed with a header twelve minutes into the second half offered some hope for Mallorca who were generally in control if not exactly dominating. There was very little else to say until, staggeringly, Dos Santos fired Mallorca in front in added time. On Friday (19 April), Mallorca at home to mid-table Rayo Vallecano.

Bottom six:
15. Osasuna - Played 31, Points 31 (GD -10)
16. Deportivo - Played 31, Points 29 (GD -21)
17. Granada - Played 31, Points 28 (GD -23)
18. Zaragoza - Played 31, Points 27 (GD -21)
19. Mallorca - Played 31, Points 27 (GD -30)
20. Vigo - Played 31, Points 24 (GD -17)



Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Geromel, Bigas, Kevin; Pina, Martí (Pereira 72), Márquez (Tissone 72); Alfaro (Arizmendi 84), Hemed, Dos Santos
Goal: Dos Santos (90+)
Yellows: Bigas (64), Pina (73), Dos Santos (90+)

Vigo:
Varas; Jonny, Vila, Túñez, Lago; Insa, Oubiña; Fernández, López (Orellana 70), Krohn-Dehli (Pranjic 84); Bermejo (Chu-Young 77)
Yellow: Lago (24)

MALLORCA TODAY - Barcelona 5 : 0 Real Mallorca

A Barça side missing a number of regulars at home to Mallorca. An upset for the visitors against the La Liga champions-in-waiting?

It all started unremarkably enough, but Barça, regardless of those who were missing, gradually took a stranglehold, and on 20 minutes Fábregas finished off a movement following Alexis's pass. Two minutes later, it was Alexis himself. A rare close effort for Mallorca - Alfaro's header from Hutton's cross - was merely followed by another Alexis-Fábregas combination, the latter adding his second and then by a reciprocal arrangement, Fábregas putting Alexis in. Second half underway and immediately it was taking-the-piss moment, Fábregas completing his hat-trick. 45 minutes of going through the motions, Barça withdrawing Iniesta, Fábregas and then Piqué, Mallorca creating little.

Let's just look at Mallorca's run-in over the final eight games. Vigo (home), Rayo Vallecano (home), Zaragoza (away), Levante (home), Bilbao (away), Betis (home), Atlético Madrid (away), Valladolid (home). Points available among this lot, but with 24 points from 30 games, the stats suggest five points at most. It could be more, as strugglers Deportivo have shown by having gone a run of wins, but will it be? Five points wouldn't be anything like enough.

Bottom six (with games to be played tomorrow affecting Vigo and Osasuna):
15. Osasuna - Played 29, Points 31 (GD -7)
16. Granada - Played 30, Points 28 (GD -18)
17. Zaragoza - Played 30, Points 27 (GD -18)
18. Deportivo - Played 30, Points 26 (GD -25)
19. Vigo - Played 29, Points 24 (GD -14)
20. Mallorca - Played 30, Points 24 (GD -31)

Barcelona:
Pinto; Alves, Bartra, Piqué (Abidal 69), Montoya; Thiago, Song, Iniesta (J. Dos Santos 50); Alexis, Fábregas (Deulofeu 65), Tello
Goals: Fábregas (19, 36, 46), Alexis (21, 38)
Yellow: Alexis (74)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Bigas, Kevin; Tissone, Pina (Márquez 70); Nsue (Martí 45), Alfaro, G. Dos Santos; Hemed (Arizmendi 45)
Yellow: Alfaro (63)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 2 : 3 Deportivo La Coruña

Mallorca, despite losing last time out to Real Madrid, had been on something of a roll. At home to bottom side Depor, Mallorca would have good reason to be confident. And so ...

Well, things started well enough, Victor putting Mallorca ahead after nineteen minutes, but Depor struck back within six minutes and from then on it was mostly downhill for Mallorca. The match was even enough, but Depor were making the better opportunities and after the break Marchena and then Riki with a header gave the visitors a lead that only a late goal from Nsue could cut. It wasn't enough and the result was frankly a disaster for Mallorca who now find Depor only a point behind them. It isn't all over as five points cover Depor in bottom place and Granada in sixteenth, but next week it is Barça away for Mallorca before they take on fellow strugglers Vigo (who drew with Barça yesterday) in a fortnight.

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Geromel, Nunes, Luna; Tissone (Márquez 77), Martí (Hemed 57), PIna; Alfaro, Victor (Nsue 56), Dos Santos
Goals: Victor (19), Nsue (86)
Yellows: Martí (31), Pina (38), Geromel (47)

 

Deportivo:
Aranzubia; Pablo, Aythami, Marchena, Silvio; Aguilar, Domínguez; Gama (Salomao 74), Valerón (Zé Castro 89), Pizzi; Riki (Oliveira 79)
Goals: Silvio (26), Marchena (48), Riki (60)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Madrid 5 : 2 Real Mallorca

Mallorca, two successive wins under their belt, away at Madrid: a tough assignment. Dos Santos went close after only two minutes and four minutes later, even better. One-nil to Mallorca. Nsue heading in from Dos Santos's cross. Shortlived euphoria. One-all, Higuain after 14 minutes, and then Dos Santos again keeping López busy with a shot. Astonishingly, as Madrid were dominating, it became two-one to Mallorca six minutes later, this time Alfaro heading in. Ronaldo hit the post, Kaka saw Aouate produce a save, Ronaldo had a free kick, another shot, but the break came with Mallorca still in the lead.

With Mourinho opting to attack, bringing Benzema on for Arbeloa for the second period, Madrid were level again thanks to Ronaldo's header. And then, there was another. Modric. Three-two. Make that, four-two, Higuain three minutes later, thanks to Özil's assist.

Manzano appeared to have conceded. Mourinho, bringing Alonso on, had played all his substitution aces, while Mallorca had played none, until Hemed replaced Nsue with 25 minutes left and almost grabbed a third for Mallorca. But Madrid were now totally in control. Ronaldo drew a fine save from Aouate and he (Ronaldo) was a threat to the end, setting Benzema up, but Aouate denying Madrid a fifth. Not that he could stop Benzema adding the fifth in added time.

Next up for Mallorca (on 31 March) - at home to bottom-club Deportivo, four points behind Mallorca. A possible win for Mallorca, though Depor showed some sign of revival on Friday by winning for once, albeit at home to fellow relegation-strugglers Vigo.

Madrid:
López; Arbeloa (Benzema 45), Varane, Ramos, Coentrao; Pepe, Modric; Morata (Özil 45), Kaka (Alonso 62), Ronaldo; Higuain
Goals: Higuain (14, 56), Ronaldo (51), Modric (53), Benzema (90)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Bigas, Kevin; Pina, Tissone (Fontás 83); Nsue (Hemed 65), Añfaro, Dos Santos; Victor (Pereira 78)
Goals: Nsue (6), Alfaro (21)
Yellow: Hutton (89)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 2 : 1 Sevilla

Following the last-gasp win at Granada last weekend, a chance for Mallorca to close the gap more on the safety zone against Sevilla who have been dodgy on the road all season.

Mallorca, on top in the opening exchanges, took the lead though Alfaro after quarter an hour, the former Sevilla midfielder hitting home following Beto's save from Dos Santos's shot. Great start for Mallorca, but they were then under the cosh. Sevilla dominated the game almost totally from the moment Alfaro scored, but it was Mallorca, with a Martí shot against the woodwork, who came closest five minutes into the second period. Dos Santos was denied by Beto after 15 minutes of the half, and immediately afterwards Negredo finally made good all Sevilla's possession. It was a Dos Santos effort that led to a corner from which Alfaro added a second for Mallorca and which brought about a hugely tense last 25 minutes. Márquez was sent off for a second yellow for time-wasting, but Mallorca had held on. An extraordinary win, Mallorca up to 18th as a result, one point behind Zaragoza who play Granada on Sunday. Survival, which had looked far away two games ago, might now be there for Mallorca, but next up - Real Madrid away.

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Bigas, Kevin; Pina, Tissone, Martí (Márquez 73); Alfaro (Hemed 78), Victor, Dos Santos (Nsue 90)
Goals: Alfaro (15, 66)
Red: Márquez (90+)
Yellow: Hutton (45), Martí (70), Dos Santos (71), Márquez (75)

Sevilla:
Beto; Coke (Cicinho 80), Fazio, Botía (Reyes 67), Navarro; Medel, Kondogbia (Babá 51); Navas, Rakitic, Moreno; Negredo
Goal: Negredo (61)
Yellow: Moreno (77)

MALLORCA TODAY - Granada 1 : 2 Real Mallorca

Every game is crucial now for Mallorca, and this one especially, given Granada's proximity to the relegation zone. Things did not start well for Mallorca, Nolito heading Granada into an eighth-minute lead, but Dos Santos set up Alfaro four minutes later for the equaliser. Apart from penalty shouts from both sides, that was more or less it for the first half. Chances were limited during a dour second period, Victor having one well saved before making way for Hemed. Another Granada claim for a penalty, this time for handball by Nunes, was turned down. Other than a header from Nunes and a close effort from a free kick by Granada's Aranda, the game appeared to be drifting to a draw until, well into added time, Hemed headed Mallorca's winner from what was Mallorca's only corner of the game. An astonishing end to the match.

An improved situation for Mallorca in that they are now four points off the safety spot rather than the seven that they were before the match. Next Saturday at home to Sevilla who, though they thrashed Mallorca at the Son Moix in the cup, have been poor away from home in La Liga; only one win all season.


Granada:
Toño; Ortiz, López, Mainz, Siqueira; Rico, Recio, Buonanotte (Torje 86), Nolito (Brahimi 66); Aranda, Ighalo (El-Arabi 72)
Goal: Nolito (8)
Yellow: Ighalo (33)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Conceiçao, Luna; Tissone (Márquez 80), Martí, Pina; Alfaro (Pereira 86), Victor (Hemed 70), Dos Santos
Goals: Alfaro (12), Hemed (90+)
Yellows: Luna (35), Hutton (87)

MALLORCA TODAY - Valencia 2 : 0 Real Mallorca

A bad-tempered affair in the first half in which Mallorca were really the better team, Dos Santos missing a good opportunity on the counterattack but proving to be, as he has for some games, to be Mallorca's most threatening player. The ill temper spilled over when Tino Costa received a straight red for a foul on Pina. A man down, Valencia should have buckled under Mallorca pressure, but Ricardo Costa put them ahead fifteen minutes into the second period with a header from a corner. Victor drew a save from Alves as Mallorca went looking for the equaliser, only for Soldado to fire in a second for Valencia. The result leaves Mallorca in nineteenth spot, now six points behind Zaragoza in the safety position of seventeenth. At home to mid-table Getafe next Saturday, Mallorca have to win that game.

Valencia:
Alves; Pereira, Rami (Canales 43), R. Costa, Guardado; Parejo, T. Costa; Feghouli, Jonas (Cissokho 60), Bernat (Ruiz 35); Soldado
Goals: Ricardo Costa (59), Soldado (80)
Red: Tino Costa (27)
Yellows: Parejo (5), Bernat (22), Soldado (53), Canales (85), Cissokho (88)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Geromel, Luna (Victor 72); Pina, Tissone (Márquez 66), Martí; Alfaro (Pereira 61), Hemed, Dos Santos
Yellows: Luna (14), Geromel (19), Márquez (74)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 1 : 1 Osasuna

First game back in charge for coach Gregorio Manzano and against Osasuna, just as relegation-threatened as Mallorca. A typical six-pointer, and it was the visitors who looked just a touch more threatening, Rubén heading in but the strike being ruled out for a foul on Aouate. A string of corners for Mallorca led to nothing. Hutton was pulled off at half-time, Hemed coming on to increase Mallorca's attacking options. The change looked to have nearly worked nearly 30 minutes into the second period, but Hemed hit the post. And then, disaster for Mallorca, Lolo heading in from a corner for Osasuna. But ... might this have been the most important moment of the season for Mallorca? Geromel headed the equaliser in added time, Pina having just before seen a header saved.

Things are still critical for Mallorca. Depending on the result of the later Deportivo-Granada match, they could go bottom but the point means they haven't lost touch, being four points behind Osasuna in seventeenth. Next weekend (17 February), away at Valencia.

Mallorca:
Aouate; Hutton (Hemed 46), Nunes, Geromel, Luna; Pina, Márquez (Tissone 82); Nsue, Dos Santos, Pereira; Victor (Alfaro 77)
Goal: Geromel (90+)
Yellows: Pina (21), Geromel (35), Tissone (89)

Osasuna:
Fernández; Bertrán, Rubén, Flaño, Damiá; Lolo, Silva; Armenteros (Loe 85), Oier, De las Cuevas (Cejudo 69); Nino
Goal: Lolo (76)
Yellows: Lolo (18), Silva (34), Damiá (87)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Sociedad 3 : 0 Real Mallorca

A game which arguably all turned on an incident in the 29th minute when Márquez, having been booked, then handled the ball and was sent off, a decision that looked more questionable when a Sociedad player, Ángel, did the same and escaped punishment. But Sociedad had come out the blocks faster than Mallorca and had looked more likely to score, though it wasn't until the second half that numerical advantage kicked in, Castro putting Sociedad ahead after 55 minutes before Vela and the Ifrán wrapped up what became an easy win. At home against 17th-placed Osasuna next week for Mallorca, a game that they need to win as they are now four points adrift of Osasuna in 19th.

Sociedad:
Bravo; C. Martínez, Elustondo, I. Martínez, Ángel (Estrada 75); Illarramendi, Pardo, Prieto; Griezmann, Castro (Ifrán), Vela (Agirretxe 75)
Goals: Castro (55), Vela (70), Ifrán (87)
Yellows: Ángel, Ifrán

Mallorca:
Calatayud; Luna, Nunes, Geromel, Hutton; Tissone (Alfaro 75), Márquez, Nsue (López 59), Dos Santos; Hemed (Martí 33), Victor
Red: Márquez (29)
Yellow: Hemed

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 2 : 3 Malaga

Mallorca at home to the petro-finance-fuelled but not as rich-as-some-think Malaga. A bad start for Mallorca, Bigas injured and substituted after only five minutes and the one-time new Maradona, Saviola, putting Malaga ahead five minutes later. And then worse ... Isco adding a second on fifteen minutes. An open game, Mallorca creating opportunities despite the setbacks and deservedly getting one back through Victor. Into the second half and it was all Mallorca, raining in efforts on goal if not necessarily testing Caballero. Or it was Mallorca until Monreal added a third for Malaga, a quarter of an hour or so into the half. Finally, Mallorca's attacking was rewarded, Dos Santos pulling one back from a direct free kick with 20 minutes to go. And two minutes later, Malaga's DeMichelis was shown a straight red. Game very much on, but ultimately game lost. Mallorca in 19th place, propped up only by the current yo-yo artists, Deportivo. Next up, away at mid-table Sociedad and then a clutch of games against average sides. The next four or five games will probably decide Mallorca's season.

Mallorca:
Calatayud; Nsue, Nunes, Geromel, Bigas (Kevin 5); Pina, Márquez; Pereira (Alfaro 61), Victor, Dos Santos; Hemed
Goals: Victor (26), Dos Santos (70)
Yellows: Pina (24), Kevin (36), Victor (36)

Malaga:
Caballero; Sánchez, Lugano, Weligton, Monreal; Toulalan, DeMichelis; Portillo (Duda 89), Saviola (Eliseu 67), Isco (Camacho 73); Santa Cruz
Goals: Saviola (10), Isco (15), Monreal (61)
Red: DeMichelis (71)
Yellows: DeMichelis (28), Caballero (65), Lugano (69)

MALLORCA TODAY - Espanyol 3 : 2 Real Mallorca

An incident-filled match with Mallorca perhaps unlucky to get nothing from their visit to Barcelona. Espanyol were in control early on, Mallorca surviving a penalty appeal for handball against Kevin and having little attempt on goal, save for a Dos Santos effort. The home side, on top, scored through a free kick by Simao that hit the inside of the post and went in. Mallorca came back into the game, though, and Dos Santos was luckier when a mistake by Moreno let him in to equalise, Márquez then getting on the end of a loose ball and putting Mallorca ahead just before the break. In the second half, Espanyol resorted to a more long-ball game without threatening until Moreno, heading against the bar, rallied the home team, and a Nunes foul on Longo in the area gave Verdú the chance to bring the score back to 2-2. Victor came close to restoring Mallorca's lead, but with Luna sent off for a second yellow, Baena pounced six minutes before the end to give Espanyol the win. Mallorca stay in the relegation zone in 18th place, and the Osasuna-Deportivo bottom-of-the-table clash on Sunday could end with Mallorca being pushed further into relegation trouble. Next up for Mallorca at home to Malaga on Sunday week.


Espanyol:
Casilla; López, Colotto, Moreno, Capdevila; Forlín, Baena; Rui Fonte (Longo 46), Verdú (Christian 85), Simao, García (Tejera 90)
Goals: Simao (17), Verdú (68 - penalty), Baena (84)
Yellows: Verdú (28), Forlín (39), Tejera (90+)

Mallorca:
Aouate (Miño 61); Nsue, Geromel, Nunes, Kevin (Hemed 62); Pina, Márquez (Martí 79); Pereira, Dos Santos, Luna; Victor
Goals: Dos Santos (36), Márquez (42)
Red: Luna (80)
Yellows: Luna (45), Pina (65), Hemed (78)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 1 : 1 Atlético Madrid

The Christmas break finished, the off-field board disruption ongoing, time for the Mallorca team to get back on the field, hosting second-placed Atlético. In the first half, the visitors were all over Mallorca, without really creating too many threatening opportunities. The dominance continued into the second half, the woodwork intervening before García, who had hit the bar, finally scored for Atlético. The game apparently sealed up, Mallorca stunned Atlético when Kevin scored with four minutes to go after a Nunes header had caused panic in the Atlético defence. Dos Santos then saw a direct free kick hit a post. Had it gone in, it would have given Mallorca an astonishing win. As it is, the draw was pretty astonishing. Up against it for the most of the game, an encouraging point for struggling Mallorca.

Mallorca:
Aouate; Nsue (Álvaro 79), Nunes, Geromel, Bigas; Pina, Márquez; Pereira (Kevin 63), Dos Santos, Arizmendi (Ximo 74); Hemed
Goal: Kevin (86)
Yellow: Nunes (77)

Atlético:
Courtois; Juanfran, Diáz, Godin, Luis; Tiago, Gabi; Koke, García, Adrián (Rodríguez 64); Costa
Goal: García (72)
Yellows: García (19), Tiago (30), Costa (89)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Betis 1 : 2 Real Mallorca

Mallorca, looking for some sort of Christmas present in Seville, got no help from Santa when Beñat put Betis one-up after only five minutes. Rocked by the goal, Mallorca were getting a pounding until, more or less out of the blue, Victor replied after half an hour, heading in from Kevin's centre. Betis continued to dominate and make more chances, but 1-1 at half time, and maybe there was some sort of present coming Mallorca's way. And it looked as though there was more than they might have hoped for, Márquez putting them into the lead within two minutes of the re-start with a penalty after a foul on Victor on the edge of the box. After this, it was all hands to the pump, Mallorca showing greater defensive resolution without their shaky Brazilian centre-backs. With the exception of an effort from Vadillo saved by Aouate, Betis couldn't break down Mallorca who did indeed get more than they might have hoped for. An excellent result, especially as Betis were fourth going into the match. A break for Christmas that Mallorca can enjoy in better spirits as they move out of the relegation zone; next game for Mallorca will be at home to second-placed Atlético Madrid on 6 January.

Betis:
Adrián; Chica, Amaya, Mario, Nacho; Beñat, Pérez (Pozuelo 48), Cañas; Castro, Molina (Agra 62), Campbell (Vadillo 53)
Goal: Beñat (5)
Yellows: Nacho (64), Beñat (76), Chica (88)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Nsue, Nunes, Bigas, Kevin; Pina, Martí; Arizmendi (Ximo 82), Márquez, Dos Santos (Hemed 74); Victor (Conceiçao 89)
Goals: Victor (30), Márquez (47 penalty)
Yellows: Arizmendi (21), Victor (24), Dos Santos (44), Márquez (90)

MALLORCA TODAY - Real Mallorca 0 : 1 Athletic Bilbao

With their most recent disasters fresh in the memory, Mallorca faced Bilbao in desperate need of turning their season around. Bilbao, not the force they were last season, had lost five out of seven league matches on the road this season. So could Mallorca overcome them?

The answer appeared to be no. Bilbao dominated the opening exchanges and after ten minutes Aduriz headed them into the lead. Mallorca picked it up without creating real chances, Hemed coming close with a header just after the half-hour mark, then Hemed again with a header and Victor drawing stops by Iraizoz. Straight after the break and Arizmendi's header was another close chance for Mallorca. Susaeta just missed from a direct free kick after 15 minutes of the second period, while Bilbao, more under the cosh, were still enjoying more possession than Mallorca and Muniain shot just wide and Aduriz had a header saved. Bilbao began to close up shop as full-time neared, Hemed heading wide for Mallorca, and that was that. Better from Mallorca, but another defeat, so where does it leave coach Caparrós with his team hovering above the relegation zone? High-flying Betis away next up for Mallorca.

Mallorca:
Aouate; Nsue, Nunes, Geromel, Bigas; Pina, Márquez (Martí 72); Arizmendi (Alfaro 85), Victor, Dos Santos (Brandon 73); Hemed
Yellows: Bigas (44), Geromel (57), Brandon (88)

Bilbao:
Iraizoz; Iraola, Laporte, Ekiza, Aurtenetxe; San José, Ander; Susaeta (Gómez 63), De Marcos (Gurpegi 80), Muniain (Toquero 88); Aduriz
Goal: Aduriz (10)
Yellows: San José (30), Laporte (33), Susaeta (60)