Real Mallorca travelled to Eibar in the Basque Country for an important clash at the top of the Spanish Second Division on the 17th of October. They were seconds away from an away win until a penalty drama denied them the three points.
Head coach Luis Garcia named an unchanged team, for the first time this season, following the excellent home win against Las Palmas the weekend before. However in the warm up Pollensa born winger Josep Cerda felt some muscle discomfort and was replaced by Luvumbo.
The Islanders were in complete control in the first half and hit the woodwork on no less than three occasions. In form striker Adrain Fuentes powered his way through in his own inimitable style and struck the post with a fierce shot. Next up Liso struck an amazing volley that rattled the crossbar. If it had gone in it would be a contender for goal of the season.
The home sides striker Bautista headed a corner against his own crossbar and that would have been a spectacular own goal.
Mallorca were not to be denied and on 52 minutes Adrain Fuentes dinked a cross from Liso over the home keeper. Liso had his best game of the season so far and looks a real threat on the left wing.
The visitors were content to sit on the lead which is a dangerous game to play. Keeper Arnau Tenas made two excellent saves but on 81 minutes fullback John Chetauya brought down Ivan Gil in the box and was shown a red card. However Tenas was equal to the situation and made an excellent save from Martón’s penalty.
Into extra time the home sides striker Adu Ares was running into the Islander´s penalty area with young substitute Guille Fernandez in pursuit. Ares literally threw himself to the ground with no contact whatsoever from Guille as verified by T.V. replays. Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia awarded the penalty without checking with VAR. It was so cruel on the team as Gil scored from the spot.
Young Guille was in tears at the final whistle and the fury from the Mallorca players was absolute.
The result meant Mallorca ended in sixth place in the league instead of fourth which they should have been without the referee´s blunder.
Another Draw!
A successive away game, this time at Leganes, followed on the 24th of October. The omens were not good as former Mallorca legend Dani Rodrigues now plies his trade for the team based in the suburbs of Madrid. On the 18th of October Rubén Albés was sacked as the head coach. Football fans the world over are well aware of the so called new head coach bounce as Luis Carrión was immediately announced as the replacement.
It was announced during the week that Josep Cerda will miss a couple of weeks due to the slight abductor muscle strain that he suffered in the warm up before the game at Eibar. He was replaced by Luvumbo for the game at Leganes. Calatayud replaced the suspended John Chetauya.
Mallorca started reasonably well and on 34 minutes Luvumbo prodded home a rebound after the home keeper saved from Pablo Torre. Instead of pushing for more goals against their hosts, who occupy a lowly league position, the reds sat back and the game developed into a series of niggly fouls.
After the break Leganes equalised on 57 minutes. Sancris, put an inch perfect cross in for Álex Millán to finish practically on the goal line.
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The big talking points of the second half concerned Dani Rodriguez who was playing against his former team mates. Prior to the match he launched social media rants about the former Mallorca head coach Jagob Arrasate accusing him of being totally responsible for last season´s relegation.
He had barely featured in the game until diving to try and win a penalty from Calatayud wh0 clearly beat him to the ball and, despite the angry protests of the veteran Galician player, the referee Rivera Olmedo waved play on.
Shortly after in a throw-in by Arnau Tenas from the edge of the area to start a Mallorca counterattack, Dani pushed the islanders goalkeeper to the floor. In the struggle between the two Dani fell to the ground was left lying on the pitch and put his hand to his face seeking a red card for Tenas. The referee wasn’t fooled and booked both players.
Shortly afterwards Dani was substituted and his actions leave a sour taste in the mouth from a player who was worshipped by the Mallorca fans.
With the match petering out to a draw Arnau Tenas saved the team again after a header from Unax in the six-yard box.
Two points from successive away games instead of the minimum required of four meant the Islanders slipped out of the play off places. There is lot of work to do with this team who face an away game in the Copa del Rey against Alcoyano before a home game against Cadiz on the 2nd of November at 21.00.
Charles Nutter
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