Mallorca stay untouchable at home

Islanders make it seven out of seven with 4-1 win over Zaragoza as Valencia go third.

Aduriz
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Aduriz is mobbed as Mallorca maintain their perfect home form [EPA]

Aritz Aduriz scored twice as Real Mallorca hammered Real Zaragoza 4-1 at home to keep the islanders in the European places in the Spanish Primera Liga.

Mallorca’s problems off the field, where attempts to take over the financially troubled club have ended in acrimonious disputes, have not affected the team’s form inside the Ono Estadi this season.

They have won seven from seven there under the wily leadership of coach Gregorio Manzano, and in striker Aduriz they have a proven goalscorer who has now notched seven this year.

The powerful frontman put away Mallorca’s first just before the break after an error in the Zaragoza defence, and sprinted clear to double the lead in a one-on-one after 68.

Mario Suarez headed the third from a free kick and Alhassane Keita made it 4-0 before Ander Herrera pulled one back for the visitors at the end.

Mallorca are sixth with 24 points from 13 games one behind Deportivo Coruna, who lost 3-1 to leaders Barcelona on Saturday.

Barca have 36 points from 14 games, five ahead of Real Madrid, who have only played 13 after their 4-2 victory at home to Almeria on Saturday.

Valencia rose above Sevilla to third in La Liga with a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao as the hosts missed a late penalty.

Blunted

The hosts’ attack was blunted when striker Fernando Llorente was replaced by Oscar de Marcos after 30 minutes because of an injury.

La Liga results

Saturday December 5

undefined Deportivo 1-3 Barcelona
undefined Real Madrid 4-2 Almeria
undefined Sevilla 1-1 Valladolid
undefined Xerez 0-2 Atletico Madrid

Sunday December 6

undefined Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Valencia
undefined Espanyol 0-4 Racing
undefined Malaga 1-1 Osasuna
undefined Mallorca 4-1 Real Zaragoza
undefined Tenerife 2-1 Sporting Gijon
undefined Villarreal 3-2 Getafe

The introduction of teenage striker Iker Muniain after half time jump-started the game, with Muniain putting Bilbao ahead when he controlled a rebound from Cesar Sanchez’s save and shot home from close range.

The 16-year-old Muniain became the youngest scorer in league history earlier this year with a goal against Valladolid.

Last week, Bilbao signed the player to a long-term deal that keeps him with the Basque club through 2015.

Valencia’s David Villa equalised three minutes later from Pablo Hernandez’s cross.

Bilbao were reduced to 10 men when Koikili Lertxundi was sent off for a second yellow card with 20 minutes to go.

Valencia made the advantage count when Jeremy Mathieu followed up on a save by Bilbao keeper Gorka Iraizoz and drove home with his left foot.

Bilbao was awarded a dubious penalty five minutes from the end when Javi Martinez fell on contact with David Navarro’s arm, but David Lopez hit the post.

“We’re very happy because we have had some big wins recently at difficult places like this,” said Villa.

Villarreal comeback

Spain left back Joan Capdevila scored a late winner for nine-man Villarreal, his second of the game, to secure a 3-2 comeback win at home to Getafe.

Villarreal had midfielder Cani sent off just after the re-start when he conceded a penalty which Roberto Soldado netted to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Capdevila’s international teammate Santi Cazorla returned from injury, coming off the bench to net a magnificent volley for the home side’s equaliser in the 67th minute.

Villarreal’s Angel Lopez was sent off at the end. They are 11th with 15 points, three behind Getafe in ninth.

Racing Santander’s new coach Miguel Angel Portugal earned his first win since taking the helm last month, the Cantabrians sweeping aside Espanyol 4-0 away.

Their 18-year-old striker Sergio Canales scored twice helping them to only their second win this season.

For Espanyol it was their fourth defeat in a row without scoring, and they have now conceded eight in their last two outings.

Racing climbed to 18th with 10 points, ahead of Malaga, who drew 1-1 with Osasuna, and bottom club Xerez.

Source: News Agencies