Pre-season friendlies can promise only so much, but a one-nil win for Real Mallorca over West Bromwich Albion at least suggested that coach Vázquez has a more competitive group of players at his disposal than last season.
Bolstered by the experience of Culio and Rodríguez in the middle of the park, Mallorca were the more threatening side during an unremarkable first period, marked by some at times not especially friendly tackling and the only goal of the match. Culio and Moutinho combined to give Brandon Thomas an easy chance.
A more open second half, with Mallorca making seven changes, ended with the Premier League being sparked into greater life. Goalkeeper Ben Foster joined the attack, but his opposite number, Cabrero, saved well on two occasions to deny Tony Pulis' team an equaliser.