Real Mallorca 2-0 Real Sociedad
Two goals from Argentine striker Fernando Cavenaghi, one either side of half time, sealed victory for Real Mallorca against Real Sociedad in a tight game at San Sebastian. Los Bermellones seemingly lost steam after their stumble against Athletic Club in Bilbao.
The Mallorca defence is still yet to concede a goal at the Iberostar Estadi this season and is proving to be as solid as the last campaign. Real Sociedad, however, conceded two goals at the beginning of each half to put them in a tight situation. Despite these conditions, Real Sociedad kept fighting until the end and were unlucky not to take away a share of the points.
Los Bermellones showed that playing at home wasn’t an issue putting in a serious, committed and disciplined approach that was, above all, a professional performance. Laudrup’s team began the task of overturning the Bilbao embarrassment by replacing Cendrós, who has so far proved to be playing well out of his depth, with new signing Ratinho who was cleared to play by FIFA in midweek. He, partnered with Emilio Nsue down the right, terrorised the Sociedad defence.
A similar scenario played out on the left with winger Gonzalo Castro linking up with third choice left back Kevin forcing De La Bella into action. But the home side were dealt a blow when an ankle injury ended captain José Nunes’ night after just 29 minutes, being replaced by Rubén.
Cavenaghi’s first goal after just seven minutes saw the Argentine link up with Brazilian right back Ratinho with a Cavenaghi turn freeing himself some space to get the shot away in the penalty area. And a Ratinho ball flicked on by Emilio Nsue gave Cavenaghi the chance to double the lead soon after, but his shot flew over the bar.
He did double the lead in the second half though, after Víctor nodded on Jonathan de Guzman’s corner for Cavenaghi to bundle home on the hour mark. Víctor himself then through away a great chance to finish the match. Despite being through on goal, Víctor’s shot crashed against the underside of the bar before bouncing away.
Mallorca’s record reads 7 points with 2 wins and a draw against Real Madrid all at home with 0 points being registered away.
Teams
Real Mallorca (4-4-2): Aouate; Ratinho, Nunes (c) (Rubén 29), Ramis, Kevin; Nsue (Joao Victor 59), Martí, de Guzmán, Castro; Víctor (Pereira 77), Cavenaghi.
Substitutes: Lux; Corrales, Cendrós, Rubén; Pereira, Joao Victor; Webó.
Goalscorers: Cavenaghi 7, 61.
Real Sociedad (4-5-1): Bravo; Carlo Martínez, Ansotegui, Mikel González, De la Bella; Aranburu (c) (Llorente 62), Diego Rivas, Xabi Prieto (Viguera 84), Zurutza, Griezmann (Sutil 77); Tamudo.
Substitutes: Zubikarai (gk); Labaka; Markel, Elustondo, Sutil; Viguera, Llorente.