FC Zwolle 1-0 Real Mallorca
Real Mallorca’s winless streak continued as they fell to defeat in their first preseason game in Holland. The trip to Holland marked the beginning of the real work of preseason after their first two friendlies in Stockholm.
Laudrup named a strong team that featured young defender Ximo in defensive midfield with João Victor, whilst de Guzmán played on the right wing with Sergio Tejera on the left and Chori Castro in the attacking role.
The worrying pattern for Mallorca fans is that, after rumours Laudrup was unhappy with the Zuiverloon signing, the 24-year-old Dutchman once again did not feature in any of the game.
The open exchanges of the game were evened out between the two sides. But Zwolle still managed to take the lead after 23 minutes when Maachi managed to steer the ball past Dudu Aouate.
Four minutes before the halftime interval, Hemed had the chance to equalise from a free kick on the edge of the area. But his speared shot was saved by the goalkeeper. And just moments later, Castro speeds into the area but his shot is turned away by Ter Wielen too.
Ramis and Nsue made their first appearances of preseason as second half substitutes when they came on for Nunes and Hemed. But it was Pablo Cáceres who took the limelight with his 45 minute performance.
Ten minutes into the second half, Cáceres, Pina and Pereira all linked well to set up Emilio Nsue with a header. But the U21 European Champion was denied by Ter Wielen.
With ten minutes to go, the home side were reduced to ten men when Bakkati was given his second yellow card for elbowing Ximo. And then just a few minutes later, Ximo’s volley was again denied by Ter Wielen after good link up play between Cáceres and Pereira.
Mallorca had nothing more left in them as this result means they have failed to win since 24th April 2011 when they beat Getafe 2-0 at home. But Head Coach Michael Laudrup was determined to take positives from the result.
“It was a good workout with a bad result. We played in two very different manners. In the first half, we paced ourselves playing short balls. But in the second half, we were much more creative making better chances.”
Referring to Cáceres and Hemed, Laudrup remarked, “Cáceres has come forward many times. In defence he has not had alot of work to do which is fine. Tomer only played a part, and we weren’t effective in front of goal.”
When asked about Webó, Laudrup said, “Both sides want to resolve the issue and I hope we do one way or the other. As the days pass, we are getting increasingly close to the start of the league. It is important to strengthen the front line if Webó leaves.”
Teams
FC Zwolle: Ter Wielen, Pot, Lachman, Aajfes (Saymak 59), Bakkati, Bannink, Maachi, Achenteh, Mamedov, Slot, van der Berg.
Sent Off: Bakkati 80.
Real Mallorca (4-2-3-1): Aouate; Cendrós, Nunes (Ramis 45), Martí Crespí (Uche 78), Kevin (Cáceres 45); Ximo, João Victor (Martí 45); de Guzmán (Pina 45), Castro, Tejera (Pereira 45); Hemed (Nsue 45).
Referee: Eal Janssen (Netherlands)
Stadium: , Zwolle, Netherlands