Ponferradina 0 - Real Mallorca 2
The doors at Mallorca's Son Moix have been revolving in dramatic style in recent weeks. New owner, new CEO, new coach (coaches) and now new players, with others shown the exit or sent out on loan. Despite this, the team lining up to start this afternoon included only one newcomer, the Ivorian Lago Júnior. Away at Ponferradina in the León region, Mallorca, two places behind and buoyed by last week's one-nil win at home against Alcorcón, would have been eyeing up a possible first win on the road this season.
The first half was fairly even, Ponferradina's Andy having the home side's best chance after 23 minutes when, all but alone in the box, Wellenreuther saved his shot. Mallorca, though, were forcing a number or corners without creating a great deal, but shortly before the break, and following a Sabater free kick for Mallorca, first Costas (with a header) and then Acuña, also with a header, both struck the woodwork.
Into the second half and it was Ponferradina's keeper, Santamaria, who was kept more active, stopping not difficult efforts by Acuña and another newcomer, Ortuño, who had replaced Acuña. Another free kick from Sabater produced another stop from an Aveldaño header with 20 minutes left, and the centre-back had a further header from Lago Júnior's centre shortly afterwards. Mallorca's pressing finally paid off, Santamaria fouling Brandon in the area and, after an eternity attending to injuries to both, Pereira stepped up to slot in his second penalty in consecutive matches. Mallorca were now rampant, Lago Júnior saw an effort saved and immediately Ortuño hit the post from a Sabater pass and Andy put into his own net. Lago, having a fine debut, went close again. By the end it was one-way traffic, Mallorca good value for the three points. A home game against bottom club Bilbao Athletic should, on this form, be a banker, with Mallorca finally seeming to have their season moving.
Ponferradina
Santamaria; Baró, Pavó, Raillo, Casado; Basha (Aguza 69), Andy; Acorán, Berrocal, Antón (Infante 63); Djordjevic (Jebor 75)
Mallorca
Wellenreuther; Company, Costas, Aveldaño, Oriol; Sabater, Sissoko; Lago Júnior (Coro 89), Brandon (Roigé 84), Pereira; Acuña (Ortuño 59)
Goals
Mallorca: Pereira 83; Andy 85 (o.g)
Cards
Ponferradina: Santamaria yellow 79; Casado yellow 83
Mallorca: Sabater yellow 16; Sissoko yellow 61