There’s been a lot of things I’ve missed during this pandemic but one of the main things has been being able to watch my two sons play football. It’s not just about the football. I enjoy the social side as it’s good for my Spanish and it’s great to get out around the island. Since the lockdown they’ve been able to train but only my eldest Son has been able to play competitive games. However before Christmas his games were cancelled too. Both have carried on training but there’s only so much of that you can do. This week I was really pleased to see that it looks like both of them will be able to start playing matches at the beginning of March. How they are going to play the matches remains to be seen but it’s some good news at a time when you’re scratching around trying to find some.
Today sees one of the biggest games of the season for Real Mallorca, when they host Espanyol. It’s first against second, with Mallorca currently 5 points clear at the top. Earlier in the season they played out a 0-0 draw and I imagine that Mallorca would take that today. Naturally a win would be even better but it’s important not to lose to your rivals particularly as in Spain if you finish level on points it’s your record against that team that counts first. It’s also the return of Vincente Moreno to Mallorca after he decided to leave at the end of last season. It’s a shame that the fans aren’t allowed in today as I’m sure the reception would have been interesting. Mallorca come into the game on the back of a 3 game unbeaten run but Espanyol are struggling a little. Since the Christmas break they’ve only won once, drawing one and losing three. Worrying form, so you’d think Moreno wouldn’t want to lose today either. Remember they went through four coaches last season, lose this one and he could be under pressure. Mallorca would go eight points clear with a win and that could be the tipping point for the trigger happy Espanyol owners. Kick-off today is 14.00.
Just when you think Atlético Baleares have turned the corner they then lose another game. It’s been the story of their season. Last weekend they beat Real Madrid Castilla 2-1 after coming back from a goal down. On Wednesday they played Dux Internacional de Madrid and lost 2-0. Coach Jordi Roger said “we played our worst game in what was a really important match.” There are 5 games to go and to stand a chance of commencing to the next stages, I think they’ll need to win all five.
Better news for UD Poblense who won away against Getafe B last weekend. It’s only their second win of the season and interestingly they’ve both been away. Their goal is to stay in this league which they are doing right now.
UD Ibiza after losing at home last week could only draw 1-1 away against Atzeneta UE. But they maintain an 8 point lead at the top. Valencia Mestalla are their opponents at home today.
Peña Deportiva had a great result last week beating Hercules 2-1. They play La Nucia today and like Poblense their goal is to stay in the league.
In Tercera Group A, Andratx are 6 points clear of Ibiza Pitiusas with both teams winning last weekend. No game for Manacor so they’re a further 3 points back with a game in hand.
In Group B, Platges de Calvia still lead the way, 5 points clear with 2 games in hand. It’s very tight below them with just 3 points separating Mallorca B, Santanyi, Formentera and PE Sant Jordi.
In Division Honor bottom of the table Atlético Villacarlos from Menorca finally got their first win of the season beating San Francisco 1-0 on Wednesday. With four games to go Espanyol still lead by 5 points from Barcelona.
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
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