Last weekend I went to see Atletico Baleares v Atletico Madrid B in another socially distanced game in the Segunda B.
They’d changed the seating arrangements from the last time and it seemed to work better. People were able to sit in all rows but one seat yes and one seat no. They made it even clearer with stickers on the chairs that couldn’t be sat on. There were more stewards, at least one in each section which was definitely better.
IB3 were covering the game on TV which was great for all the supporters who couldn’t get in. My Son kept texting me saying he could see me behind the goal. I chose to sit there to get a different view of the game.
Both teams had similar records going in to the match, played 2, won 1, lost 1. Madrid had lost last week to Dux Internacional 3-1. The team that Baleares beat 4-0 on the opening day.
It was a very disappointing first half for Baleares. They didn’t force the Madrid keeper to make one save. They went behind in the 23rd minute when Nando hit a shot across Juan Carlos that went in off the far post.
It wasn’t a surprise to see two changes made at half time for Baleares, Alex Barrera & Baselga came on for Fito & Kako and they definitely got better. But still not forcing the Madrid keeper into too much work. In the 68th minute they brought on their English loan signing from Tottenham, Armando Shashoua. He brought a faster pace to their attacks and in the 88th minute “The Tank” Vinicius Tanque scored the equaliser which on the balance of play they deserved. Overall it was a disappointing game but if you play poorly it’s important that you try and get something out of it, which they did.
The Club announced that after conducting Covid tests during the week, 11 members of the playing staff and non-playing staff have contracted the disease. All of the eleven were confined to their homes and only one had shown mild symptoms. All training was suspended and the club disinfected the changing rooms, offices, lockers and common areas in the Balearic Stadium, as well as their other stadium at Son Malferit. They have communicated the case to the RFEF and the health authorities and have asked for the postponement of their match of matchday 4, scheduled for this Sunday, November 8th in Valdebebas against Real Madrid Castilla. Which has now been granted.
Real Mallorca couldn’t keep up their goal scoring feats of the previous two games in Zaragoza last weekend but they did manage another clean sheet. The game finished a disappointing 0-0, but In the words of coach Luis García Plaza “if you can’t win the game, take a point and move on.” They currently lie in third place, four points behind the leaders Espanyol and three points behind second placed Sporting Gijón. This Sunday at 18.15 they are at home to Ponferradina a team currently in eighth place, four points behind Mallorca.
Congratulations to their goalkeeper Manolo Reina who has been voted the La Liga Smartbank player of the month for October. In six games he only conceded 1 goal and was the stand out candidate.
Reports circulating this week the Mallorca are set to build a football academy at their training ground Son Biblioni. It will be built to house footballers to stay on site and the idea is based upon the Barcelona academy La Masía.
There were draws for all our Balearic sides last weekend. No game for UD Ibiza last week as their opponents Alcoyano had a case of Covid.
Real Zaragoza 0 RCD Mallorca 0
CD Atlético Baleares 1 Atletico Madrid B 1
CD Las Rozas 1 U.D. Poblense 1
SCR Peña Deportiva 0 Atletico Levante UD 0
You might remember a few weeks ago I talked about Carlos Vicens who was born here in Mallorca. After coaching at Llosetense and Santanyi here on the island, he moved to work at Manchester City. This season he took over the running of the U18s side and last Monday they became the first City team to lift the FA Youth Cup for 12 years and in doing so, ended their agonising run of four final losses.
This weekends fixtures are;
UD Poblense v Getafe B Sunday 12 Midday
UD Ibiza v Atzeneta Sunday 12 Midday
Hercules v Peña Deportiva Sunday 12 Midday
Real Mallorca v Ponferradina Sunday 18.15
In Tercera Division here in the Balearics, Group A is being led by Andratx who have maximum points from their 3 games. In Group B Platges de Calvia maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-1 win over previously unbeaten Formentera.
My eldest Son Jacob who plays for CD San Francisco Cadete B starts his league season today with a trip to Soller. After 8 months it’s great to restart the league. But huge disappointment for him this week as he got injured in training. We don’t think it’s too serious but he’s out as a precaution so he can play next week. It’s the first game he’s missed through injury and another lesson learnt.
Episode 15 of A Kick in The Balearics is out later today on you tube and on podcast on too. We have launched on Spotify on Apple iTunes and on all smart speakers through the Tunein radio App. If you have any interesting stories on your local Balearic club then please get in touch and follow us on all social media.
Take care everyone.
Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday07.30-11.00am 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
Dad Taxi Mallorca 