Real Mallorca 2-0 Osasuna

Real Mallorca have another victory, the 14th of 16 at the ONO Estadi, under their belts following their match against Osasuna. But it was a tough match in which they had to grind out a victory.

Thanks to the Volcanic eruption postponing this match (originally scheduled for Sunday), the Islanders knew exactly what they had to do to regain fourth following a Sevilla win. And this victory keeps them in the Champions League places for another day with only five games to go.

Pre-match the club was celebrating the 50th anniversary of it’s first promotion into the top flight of Spanish football. Also on show were the new kits, supplied by Macron.

The Match

Added to the unavailable list was ‘Chori’ Castro who was suspended. So Manzano, lining up with a 4-4-2, chose (from right to left): Dudu Aouate; Josemi, Nunes, Ruben, Ayoze; Mattioni, Borja Valero, Marti, Varela; Victor, Aduriz.

The match began with uncertainty for Manzano’s men as they struggled to dominate the game. Although Osasuna stood strong, they failed to create any meaningful chances.

Mattioni had the first major chance 10 minutes in but was denied well by former Manchester United goalkeeper Ricardo. Seven minutes later, Osasuna best chance came before going very quickly as Aouate denied them.

In the 36th minute, as Mallorca stepped up the pace, they won a corner through a Varela shot which was tipped wide by Ricardo. The resulting corner, sent in by Borja Valero, was headed in by Ruben for his second goal in as many games.

Aritz Aduriz hit the crossbar shortly into the second half for Mallorca. But the game was starting to turn. Osasuna were as resilient as ever and the Mallorca midfielder was starting to tire.

With 15 minutes to go, in an attempt to see out the result, Manzano brought on Bruno China for Felipe Mattioni. Borja Valero was tiring in midfield and the introduction of China was an aim to tighten it up. An Borja Valero’s day got a little worse in the 89th minute. Exhausted anyway, he had to be stretchered off following a collision in midfield. Enter Alhassane Keita.

Keita’s first touch wasn’t so successful, being ruled offside. However, as Osasuna failed to effectively clear the ball it was won back by Fernando Varela and a long ball was played upfront. Keita chased and with good strength saw off the defender before putting a left-footed shot past Ricardo. Game over, 2-0.

The result

Whilst the Islanders regained their Champions League place, the bigger picture needs to be looked at. And the fact is that Real Mallorca are 6 points clear of Athletic Bilbao who are seventh. Europe is getting closer.

And if Mallorca can grind out a result at home against faltering Malaga, they can go to Bilbao with atleast a 6 point advantage.