Away win seals Mallorca progression in Copa del Rey

Real Mallorca’s 2-0 victory over Sporting Gijón last night overturned their 1-0 first leg deficit in the Copa del Rey Round of 32. Emilio Nsue’s first goal of the season in the 69th minute sent Los Bermellones to the last 16.

It was the attitude of the two sides which set them apart at kick-off. Caparrós had named an attacking lineup to chase the goal they needed from the start. And they duly controlled the game from the start too.

The away side had several early chances, including one for Pep Martí. But the veteran midfielder’s header went well over the bar.

It wasn’t long before Mallorca did take the lead though. With 18 minutes on the clock, Sergio Tejera played a fantastic ball over the top of the Sporting defence for left back Pedro Bigas to run onto. The young Spaniard whipped in a cross which, before Alejandro Alfaro could get to, was turned into his own goal by Menéndez.

Iván Ramis then hit the bar from a free-kick on the edge of the area with Cuéllar well beaten in the Sporting goal.

Mallorca controlled much of the second half too but struggled to find the goal that would give them an aggregate lead. It wasn’t until the final 25 minutes that Sporting showed any real intent on getting back into this tie. And then came the hammer blow for the home side.

Tomer Hemed won possession down the left wing and burst into the Sporting area. He pulled the ball back across the face of goal but his accuracy was appalling and it went straight to Menéndez. The attempted clearance was poor, however, and was hit straight against the incoming Emilio Nsue to give him a fortuitous first goal of the season.

Mallorca kept control of the tie and advanced to the last 16 with this 2-0 victory securing a 2-1 aggregate win. But their lack of attacking prowess has again raised eyebrows. The performance was undoubtedly good, but both goals were extremely fortunate as Marca were quick to point out.

Teams

Real Sporting de Gijón (4-2-3-1): Cuéllar; Lora, Botía, Gálvez, Menéndez; Álvarez , Eguren (Nacho Cases 60′); Morán (Barral 57′), Carmelo, Ayoze (de las Cuevas 71′); Bilic .
Substitutes: Juan Pablo (gk); Gregory, Alain; Muñiz, de las Cuevas, Nacho Cases; Barral.

Real Mallorca (4-2-3-1): Calatayud; Zuiverloon (Tià Sastre 89′), Martí Crespí, Ramis , Bigas (Cáceres 68′); João Victor , Martí; Tejera (Cendrós 81′), Alfaro, Nsue; Hemed.
Substitutes: Aouate (gk); Chico, Cáceres, Cendrós; Xisco, Tià Sastre; Abdón.
Goals: Menéndez 18′ o.g.; Nsue 69′.

Referee: David Fernández Borbalán (ESP)
Stadium: El Molinón, Gijón
Attendance: 6,500

Highlights

You can watch highlights of the game via IB3.