Undefeated Mallorca extend run
Mallorca continue their strong start to the Primera Division season as ‘sabotage’ postpones Real Madrid game.
Mallorca beat Valencia 2-0 thanks to Victor Casadesus’ goal and assist on Sunday, extending their excellent start to the Spanish league season.
Undefeated Mallorca’s third win in as many games at Iberostar stadium lifted them provisionally into second place, four points behind leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid’s clash at Rayo Vallecano was postponed after the floodlights failed amid reports of electrical cables being cut, with the game provisionally rescheduled for Monday evening.
Rayo’s president Raul Martin Presa indicated he had reason to believe cables had been cut.
“Vandals have cut cables, we have tried to solve the problem as quickly as possible but told the stewards not to open the doors of the stadium. We will leave it to the police to find out who is responsible,” said Presa.
Strong start
| Results |
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Saturday 22 September Zaragoza 3-1 Osasuna Sunday 23 September Mallorca 2-0 Valencia |
Victor put Joaquin Caparros’ team ahead eight minutes in when his shot slipped under goalkeeper Diego Alves. The Spanish forward then headed on a long goal kick for Angel Arizmendi to double the hosts’ advantage in the 55th, just seconds after coming on as a substitute.
Valencia, who lost their Champions League opener at Bayern Munich midweek, have just one win after five rounds.
“Maybe we can stir (the league) up because, I insist, this team is ambitious,” said Caparros.
“But we have to keep our feet firmly on the ground because football has many ups and downs and the best way forward is to focus on the short term, like the next game.”
Also on Sunday, Atletico Madrid won their third straight to remain unbeaten by downing the visiting Valladolid 2-1, while Levante rallied to a 2-1 home win over Real Sociedad. Athletic Bilbao were held by Malaga to a goalless draw.
Defender Diego Godin showed the finishing touch of a striker to give Atletico the lead in the 31st with a cool chip shot, and Radamel Falcao tallied his eighth goal in all competitions for Atletico with a spot kick in the 45th.
Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois let Alberto Bueno’s shot slip through his hands to gift Valladolid a goal in the 55th.
In Valencia, former Newcastle forward Obafemi Martins netted an 86th-minute winner in his debut for Levante to seal its comeback.