NEC 0-1 Real Mallorca

Real Mallorca recorded their second win of preseason as they beat NEC 1-0 in the Netherlands. A good performance from the islanders will have pleased Head Coach Michael Laudrup, who after the game stated ‘the most important thing was to see the organisation of the team’.

The Danish coach gave new B team goalkeeper Toni Fons his debut in the first team after the injuries to Dudu Aouate and Juan Calatayud. He also gave a debut to new central defender Chico, who came on as a 71st minute substitute for captain José Nunes.

It was Emilio Nsue who first tested the NEC defence, but his long range effort was comfortably saved by Cillessen.

Moments later, NEC midfielder Nijland was involved in an altercation with new right back Gianni Zuiverloon. The situation soon fizzled out to nothing though after a few words were exchanged.

Nsue and Nunes both had chances for Los Bermellones after set plays but both failed to find the target.

Mallorca were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when late in the first half an NEC defender clearly handballed the ball in the area. And the tempers remainded as Pablo Cáceres flew into a hard challenge on Schone.

Just seven minutes into the second half and Mallorca were in the lead. Terrific play from Tomer Hemed saw him set up half-time substitute Víctor Casadesús who beat the defenders and took the ball around the keeper to make it 1-0.

But ten minutes later they were down to ten men as another substitute, Ximo, was sent off for a lunge on the NEC winger.

Chico made his entrance in the 71st minute as a replacement for Nunes, wearing the number 24 shirt. And he nearly made an immediate impact too as a curling Pablo Cáceres cross was met by the head of the Spaniard. The attempt, however, flew wide.

A good result and a promising performance from Mallorca. Particularly pleasing were the performances of Toni, Cáceres and Hemed.

Teams

NEC: Cillessen, Zomer Van Ejden, Nuytinck, Schone, Platja, Nijland, Cmovs, Will, Goossens, Van der Velden
Substitutes:  Amieux, Leroy, Latipeirisissa, Navarone.

Real Mallorca (4-4-2): Toni Fons; Zuiverloon (Cendrós 57), Nunes (Chico 71), Ramis (Martí Crespí), Cáceres; Tejera (Víctor 45); de Guzmán (Uche 83), Martí (Pina 66), Pereira (Kevin 71); Nsue (Ximo 57), Hemed (João Victor 69).
Goal: Víctor 53.
Sent Off: Ximo.

Referee: Mr. P. Vink
Stadium: De Goffert, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Attendance: 6,000

To watch highlights of the game via IB3, click here.