Espanyol win the battle of the boxes in seventh straight defeat for Mallorca

The latest edition of the Vicente Moreno-Luis Garcia Plaza rivalry served up an enjoyable lunchtime fixture, as Mallorca desperately sought points in their survival bid.

Vicente Moreno left Mallorca for the Espanyol job two summers ago, with Luis Garcia replacing him. The two clubs then battled it out to the wire for the Segunda title last season, with the Catalans coming out on top narrowly.

As was the case in this match. Mallorca were on a run of six straight defeats coming into this one and following Granada’s win on Saturday are just above the relegation zone.

Espanyol are much more comfortable in midtable and that was evident in a tight first half, where Espanyol played with more freedom going forward. Adrian Embarba caused issues and Raul de Tomas was lurking with threat as usual.

Mallorca had restricted the goal from clear sight however, until the final minutes of the first half. The gifted Sergi Darder stole a march on the Mallorca midfield, driving towards goal. He doubled back for a second only to slide Raul de Tomas in behind, who finished calmly into the corner.

Raul de Tomas would arguably have an easier chance at the beginning of the second half, but couldn’t beat Sergio Rico one-on-one with ample time to weigh him up. That was the last of the clear-cut chances for the hosts.

For the final half hour, Mallorca penned Espanyol in as they did what was possible to find an opening. Veteran goalkeeper Diego Lopez was subbed off for Espanyol at half-time but Oier Olazabal was in inspired form.

It was his flying save that prevented Vedat Muriqi from equalising in Mallorca’s best effort. Despite plenty of pressure, Mallorca couldn’t find that elusive goal and were strewn on the floor at the final whistle.

For Espanyol, Vicente Moreno’s vermouth will be especially sweet this evening. They go twelve points clear of the drop and gets another one over his former side.

Tags Espanyol La Liga Mallorca
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