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 Betis 1 : 0 Real Mallorca

A midday kick-off in a sweltering Seville produced a goalless first half with promoted Betis on top, outpassing Mallorca and having greater numbers of attempts on goal. The Betis dominance over a Mallorca side with limited attacking ambitions continued in the second half. With time running out, Betis got a deserved winner in the 86th minute. The question for Mallorca is - how are they going to score goals? A long, hard season may well be in the offing.


Betis:
Casto; Chica, Amaya, Ustantz, Nacho; Beñat, Iriney; Castro, Sevilla (Vadillo 69), Montero (Pereira 55); Molina (Santa Cruz 75)
Yellows: Amaya (10); Sevilla (54)
Goal: Castro (86)

Mallorca:
Aouate; Zuiverloon, Chico, Ramis, Cáceres; Joao Victor, Pina; Nuse, Tejera (Kevin 66), Alfaro (Tissone 84); Hemed (Castro 59)
Yellows: Cáceres (31); Joao Victor (45); Pina (79); Chico (81)