Real Mallorca continued their early season form with a 0-1 away win against Alaves. I said last week that they only picked up 6 points away from home two years ago in La Liga so they’re halfway to that total already. Manolo Reina who took a bit of flack last week for the goal scored by Real Betis, was back in great form with a couple of smart saves in the first half. Abdon Prats was unlucky with a header at the beginning of the second half, which hit the bar and post. Mallorca were helped by a second half sending off for Alaves and the pressure eventually paid off. A sublime through ball from Salvá Sevilla to new loanee signing Fer Niño led to him lobbing the keeper to put the visitors 0-1 up. They managed to play the clock down without any alarms to secure their first win of the season. The difference for me was the substitutions made by Luis García Plaza, the strength of the squad changed the game. He was able to bring on Fer Niño, Salvá Sevilla, Amath and Battaglia, that’s why I think they’ll keep themselves in the division this season.
The coach said, ““It was an even first half. Both teams had chances, but in the second half it was a little more balanced. The team had the character we were looking for. We have got four points in two games and I’m very happy for the group. We have flaws, but what I have seen from the team has been positive.”
Thoughts now turn to Todays game against Espanyol and former manager Vincente Moreno coming to town. They have drawn their opening two games 0-0 against Villarreal and Osasuna respectively.
An order issued by the High Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands and Direcció General d’Esports del Govern Balear has removed the requirement of any vaccination or testing proof to enter the Visit Mallorca Estadi.
This order will come into immediate effect ahead of the game today against RCD Espanyol at the Visit Mallorca Estadi.
The following health and safety regulations are still required:
- The GOIB has authorised a maximum capacity of 8,775 fans (40% capacity).
- Supporters will be separated by a seat’s distance to ensure social distancing, regardless if those in attendance are co-habitants.
- Compliance with safety and health measures established by the competent authorities is mandatory: use of masks (FFP2 is recommended), fans must remain seated and maintain social distancing – separated by a seat in the stands and 1.5 metres across the rest of the stadium – practice good personal hygiene, no smoking, etc…
- Water is permitted at each seat and is the only beverage which can be consumed. However, catering points around the stadium for food and beverage consumption which comply with the regulative norms in place of a maximum of eight people per table and 1.5 metres in distance.
Me and the boys will be there watching a game together for the first time in a year and a half.
UD Ibiza were just 2 minutes away from a famous first victory against Malaga last weekend. Two great goals from Leeds United loanee Mateusz Bogusz, who looks like a great prospect, set them on their way but a fight back from Malaga was complete in the 88th minute when they eaualised.
Coach Juan Carlos Carcedo said, “I want to thank the fans, with them we are stronger. We tried our best but we will have to cut out our errors as points at home will be very important.”
Two draws in their opening two games leaves them mid table with an away game against Leganés this Saturday at 19.30.
Atlético Baleares start their campaign in the newly formed Primera RFEF this weekend with an away match against Cornelia, kick off at 12 midday. It’s a return to one of his former clubs for coach Xavi Calm where he managed Cornelia in the 2018/19 season taking them to fourth place in Segunda B.
He said this week, “I think the new format of the new Primera RFEF is very attractive. We must take advantage of it above all because of the group of players we have. Being a favourite or not does not give us any advantage.”
Last weekend they presented the team to the supporters in the Trofeo Nicolás Brondo. It’s the 52nd time they’ve done this and they ran out 5-0 winners against Manacor.
Segunda RFEF, Tercera RFEF and Division Honor which is the highest level of youth football, all start on September 5th so we’ll look at them next week.
Take care everyone.
Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday 07.30-11.00am on 93.8fm in Mallorca and 102fm in Calvià, online at www.radioonemallorca.com on mobile through their free App for IPhone & Android, The Tunein Radio App, iTunes, the Spanish TDT TV service and all smart speakers. If you can’t hear him on the radio then you’ll find him working at Pirates Adventure the islands number one night out and every now and again he may make an understudy appearance!
Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com
A Kick in the Balearics 