Real Mallorca, Stick Or Twist?

No La Liga games this weekend so it gives me a chance to update you on all our Balearic football teams.

Real Mallorca are at a crossroads and it seems they don’t know whether to stick or twist. Their last league victory was on December 4th at Atlético Madrid. Since then they’ve drawn one game and lost the last four. Compare that to their Copa Del Rey form in the same period, where they’ve won four games against Gimnastica Segoviana, Llanera, Eibar and Espanyol. They play Rayo Vallecano this coming Wednesday away in the quarter finals.

So back to the league and all eyes are on next Saturday where 17th placed Mallorca will play 18th placed Cadiz. There’s a gap of two points between the teams so this is one of those relegation six pointers. The positive for Mallorca is that nobody in the whole of the league seems to have consistent form. Even top of the table Real Madrid have only won two out of their last five games.

The transfer window in Spain closes on Monday at 18.00 and they need to get some players in. Lago Junior has left for Huesca, Febas for Malaga and Sastre for PAOK. They’ve brought in goalkeeper Sergio Rico on loan from PSG, he was on loan at Fulham in the 2018/19 season playing 29 games in the Premier league. This weekend Uruguayan International defender Giovanni Gonzalez has signed until 2024 and Vedar Muriqi, a centre forward from Lazio could come on loan before the window closes. Antonio Raillo is returning from injury which is like a new signing and hopefully he can reform his defensive partnership with Valjent.

The Manager is under pressure but if there was any doubt to him continuing then surely they would have got rid of him now with the transfer window closing? Going out of the Copa del Rey and losing at home to Cadiz next week might be the end. I hope not.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera

UD Ibiza did sack their coach Juan Carlos Carcedo just before Christmas. Results weren’t too bad but the President Amadeo Salvo seems intent on pushing for the play-offs. In came Paco Jemez who has managed Rayo Vallecano, Granada and Las Palmas. He certainly has made a difference, winning all three games scoring 13 times and conceding 3. Last time out last weekend they went to Malaga and won 0-5! They don’t play Real Zaragoza until Monday night at 21.00 and will be looking to push on from their current 9th place.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda

Atlético Baleares had a great run in the Copa Del Rey losing in the last 16 to Valencia. 4,500 people went to the game which is a great crowd for a club in Primera RFEF and double their normal attendance. This weekend they are at home to UE Costa Brava, who are second from bottom. Baleares are in fourth place 8 points behind the leaders Villareal B.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera_division_rfef/grupo2

Segunda RFEF a is where it’s all happening for our Balearic teams. SD Formentera are top, Peña Deportiva are 3rd, Ibiza Pitiusas 7th and Andratx 9th.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda_division_rfef/grupo3

Rcd Mallorca B are still the runaway leaders of Tercera RFEF. They lead the rest by 12 points but the team who I thought would challenge at the top have suddenly woken up. UD Poblense had started the season terribly but they are now 9 games unbeaten since December 4th and in second place. Platges de Calvia, Manacor and Llosetense occupy the play-off places.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/tercera_division_rfef/grupo11

In the highest division of youth football, Division Honor we have three island representatives. Real Mallorca lie in 5th, Atlético Baleares in 9th and CD San Francisco 14th. No games this weekend.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/division_honor_juvenil/grupo3/jornada18

Take care everyone.

Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday 07.00-10.00 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

Mallorca Need To Halt Their Slide

It’s been a couple of weeks since I last updated you and in between we’ve had an International break too. In that time Mallorca have drawn two games and lost one. More worrying is their last win was October 2nd against Levante. So this is where all those late goals are starting to hurt as they’re not picking up more than a point per game. Another late goal in the 94th minute saw them draw 1-1 in Cadiz. That was followed by an awful performance against lowly Elche where they were saved by their own late goal in the 95th minute from Maffeo. Last Monday they were totally outclassed by Rayo Vallecano who like Mallorca were promoted last season.

To be honest I thought we had a better squad this time round to be able to survive but injuries and suspensions to key players have hurt the team. Baba missing last Monday left a big void in midfield and this week against Getafe they’re missing, Raillo, Sevilla, Lago Junior, Kubo and Amath.

Kick-off today is 18.30 and three points are a must.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera/grupo1/jornada14

UD Ibiza seem to be holding their own in La Liga Smartbank in 11th place but because all the teams are fairly evenly matched they are 4 points from the play-off places and 6 points from the relegation places. A good 0-0 draw against Huesca last week, who were a team that were relegated from La Liga. This weekend a big test against 4th placed Ponferradina at 16.00 on Sunday.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda/grupo1/jornada18

Atlético Baleares currently lead Primera RFEF after a convincing 3-0 win against UCAM Murcia. They’ve been helped by Villareal B who up to three games ago were unbeaten. All of a sudden they’ve lost their last 3 games to teams in the lower half of the league. This weekend they’re away against Gimnastic Tarragona and will visit one of the best stadiums outside the top two divisions.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera_division_rfef/grupo2/jornada14

Our four teams in Segunda RFEF have dropped away a little but are still in the top half. Andratx lead the way in 5th place, followed by Ibiza Pitiusas, SD Formatera and Penya Deportiva in seventh, eighth and ninth respectively.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda_division_rfef/grupo3/jornada13

Real Mallorca B are flying in Tercera RFEF. On the 3rd of October they were in 13th place having won 2 and lost of their opening four games. Since then they’ve won 9 games on the trot to be top by 5 points. Can bottom of the table Son Veri spring a surprise this weekend?

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/tercera_division_rfef/grupo11/jornada14

In Division Honor our leading island team is Real Mallorca in 7th place. Atlético Baleares are improving in 9th place and CD San Francisco are in a bad run having not won in 7 games. Big local derby this weekend with Mallorca playing San Fran.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/division_honor_juvenil/grupo3/jornada12

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

Late Goals Against, A Worrying Trend For Mallorca

It’s been a couple of weeks and in that time Real Mallorca have managed to throw away 3 points and nearly lost another point this week too.

Two weeks ago a solid defensive display away against division leaders Real Sociedad looked like ending in a 0-0 draw. Until the team from the Basque region scored in the 94th minute. That was followed by another late show in Valencia last weekend. Mallorca were cruising at 0-2 until Lee Kang-in was sent-off. Then the pressure was too much and they conceded in the 93rd and 98th minutes to draw 2-2. On Wednesday they were drawing with third placed Sevilla 1-1 at home, when in the 94th minute Sevilla thought they’d scored the winner. It went to VAR and after a long deliberation it was chalked off for handball. It’s a worrying trend that goes back to Osasuna a month ago. They lost 2-3 at home, conceding the winner in the 88th minute. That was followed by Mallorca conceding an 85th minute penalty against lowly Levante and luckily they missed it. That’s five games now that something has happened in the last few minutes and it’s a worrying trend. If you look a little more positively none of the last three teams have gubbed them like Real Madrid did.

This Sunday at 2pm they are away to 18th placed Cadiz and three points should be the aim.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera

In La Liga Smartbank and after a run of three defeats, UD Ibiza have got back on track with a draw away at Valladolid and a home win against Fuenlabrada. They currently lie in 15th place on 15 points, four points off of the play-off places and only three points off of the relegation places. This weekend they play on Monday afternoon, as it’s a holiday here in Spain, against bottom of the table Alcorcon.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda

In Primera RFEF, Atlético Baleares are still six points behind top of the table Villareal B. Last weekend they cruised past Sabadell 3-1. This weekend they have a testing game against eighth placed CD Castellón. Coach Xavi Calm said “Tactically we had to improve and we did but we have to keep improving. Now to rest and to focus on Castellón. Villarreal are strong, they don’t lose or draw but we must focus on ourselves, keep accumulating points and work hard, be humble and work like we have up until now and try to improve.”

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera_division_rfef/grupo2/jornada9

In Segunda RFEF, the best game of the week was Andratx beating Peña Deportiva 4-3. Se Formentera lost 2-1 at Numancia and Ibiza Pitiusas beat Terrassa FC 3-0. Those results leave Peña in second, Formentera fifth, Ibiza sixth and Andratx seventh. Pretty good for all of our island teams. Game of the weekend is the Ibiza derby Peña Deportiva v Ibiza Pitiusas on Sunday at 12 midday.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda_division_rfef/grupo3/jornada8

In Tercera RFEF Real Mallorca B have won 5 games on the trot and are now top of the league. Second and third placed Manacor and Platges de Calvia surprisingly both lost. The pre-season favourites Poblense still haven’t clicked and have won in a match in the 5 games and taking just 2 points.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/tercera_division_rfef/grupo11/jornada10

In the highest league of Youth football, Division Honor, Barcelona and Espanyol still lead the way. Of our teams Real Mallorca lie in third, CD San Francisco in ninth and Atlético Baleares in thirteenth. Game of the week sees third placed Mallorca play second placed Espanyol on Sunday at 17.00.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/division_honor_juvenil/grupo3/jornada8

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com

A Much Needed Win For Mallorca

Real Mallorca got a much needed 1-0 win at home to Levante last weekend. With crowds back to 100% it was a little disappointing to see just under 12,000 inside the ground. Although I have to say the atmosphere was great. The two main talking points both involved VAR. Mallorca’s goal in the 75th minute looked offside from where I was sat but after a long deliberation it was given. Then just before the end Levante were awarded a penalty which I don’t think many in the stadium knew why. It went to VAR and when the referee went to the screen, you knew it wouldn’t be good news. It was given for a handball from substitute Mboula and it was very harsh. However the resultant penalty was easily saved by Manolo Reina. That loss cost the Levante coach Paco Lopez his job after not winning a game yet this season.

Coach Luis Garcia Plaza said “The first half was even. We lacked a bit of depth in three quarters of the game, but the second half was ours. We managed to play our football. We almost drew from the penalty, but I’m very happy for the fans and for the players who worked hard.”

Mallorca lie mid table in 12th place on 11 points, six points from the top and seven points from the relegation places. No game this weekend due to the International break. They return to a difficult away game against third placed Real Sociedad next weekend.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera/grupo1/jornada8

The first defeat of the season for UD Ibiza last weekend came against Eibar a team relegated from La Liga last season. Ibiza did go ahead in the first half but were never in it after that, eventually losing 3-1.

Coach Juan Carlos Carcedo said “I’m very happy with the work of the players.”

Ibiza lie in eighth place 7 points from the top and only 3 points from the relegation places. This weekend they are way against 17th place Cartagena.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda/grupo1/jornada8

Atlético Baleares drew away 2-2 against Real Madrid Castilla last weekend, who are Madrid’s youngsters trying to break into the first team squad. They are managed by their former legendary player Raul and have a couple of Mallorca born players in their team. Marvin Park and Rafael Obrador are both part of the squad having started their careers on the island. A draw was a fair result with one of the Madrid goals coming from Andri Gudjohnsen, who is the son of former Chelsea and Barcelona player Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Coach Xavi Calm said, “I think it’s a good point, it was always going to be a complicated game and a difficult ground to play at. Few teams will take points away from here but we played well enough to have earned more.”

Baleares aren’t losing games but are drawing too many, that’s 3 in the last 5 and the gap to Villareal is now 4 points so they need to start beating teams. Only one team is automatically promoted so it’s very important, as it’s play-offs for the next four teams.

This weekend they are at home to Linares Deportivo and three points are the order of the day.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera_division_rfef/grupo2/jornada6

In Segunda RFEF Peña Deportiva got back to winning ways beating AE Prat 1-0 and go back up to second. SD Formentera lost at home to top of the table Teruel 0-1 and are in eighth place. Ibiza Pitiusas drew 1-1 away at Lleida Esportiu to remain mid table in tenth. And Andratx did well to get a 1-1 draw away at fourth placed Espanyol B and go eleventh.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda_division_rfef/grupo3/jornada5

In Tercera RFEF, Binnisalem won their fourth game on the trot at Santanyi to go top to the top of the league. Manacor are second after a comfortable 3-0 win against Son Veri. The pre-season favourites Poblense could only draw 2-2 against bottom of the table Severense,giving them their first point.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/tercera_division_rfef/grupo11/jornada6

In Division Honor the highest league in youth football, Real Malllorca lead our island teams in third place. CD San Francisco are fourth and Atlético Baleares are struggling a little in fourteenth. All are still chasing Barcelona and Espanyol who have maximum points from 5 games.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/division_honor_juvenil/grupo3/jornada5

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com

Mallorca Need to Get Back to Winning Ways

Even though we’re only 7 games in Mallorca have hit a sticky patch. It’s just 1 point from a possible 12 in the last 4 games. Granted injuries have played a part especially at the back, but they must get back to winning ways this weekend against Levante. A team who have yet to win a game yet this season, so this is a perfect opportunity to get the confidence back. I didn’t think they played too badly in the loss last weekend against Osasuna but they looked quite tired towards the end of the game. Having hit the dizzy heights of top early in the season, they are now 12th and are closer to the bottom of the league rather than the top in points terms.

Coach Luis Garcia Plaza said this week “We have to get back to the balance between defense and attack, regain defensive solidity,” but if the league ended today, we would be out of the relegation zone. We know how to live in these situations and we can feel the support of our fans.

“For me it’s a special game, I spent three very good years there. But for us it is a very important game and we hope to get the three points. Levante UD has two players up front who score a lot of goals every year and they are two players from their youth academy. Levante UD plays good football, despite the fact that they haven’t won in seven games.

“We want to dedicate a victory to our fans. Hopefully we can give them some joy.”

Kick-off is 16.15 on Saturday.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera/grupo1/jornada7

UD Ibiza finally got another win under their belts rather than a draw, with a comfortable 2-0 win against Burgos. Their Polish player Bogusz who’s on loan from Leeds United is on fire and has bagged the best goals in the league chosen by La Liga English in both August and September. They currently lie in the playoff places in 4th but have a difficult away game this weekend. Eibar the tiny team from the Basque Country who spent 7 years straight in La Liga are their opponents this weekend. It should be a good test for the leagues only unbeaten team.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda/grupo1/jornada7

Atlético Baleares had endure another scorching day in Mallorca to get past a well drilled Real Betis B team. The winning goal came from Dioni who now has 5 for the season and is the leagues top goalscorer. The weather was like it was 2 weeks ago against Villareal, too hot! Quite why they have to play at midday on Sundays I don’t know

I thought it was only mad dogs and Englishman who went out in the midday sun?

Baleares lie in 2nd place, 2 points behind Villareal B. This weekend they’re away to Real Madrid Castilla who are managed by one of their former legends Raul.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera_division_rfef/grupo2/jornada5

In Segunda RFEF a disappointing loss for Peña Deportiva, their first of the season. Formentera and Ibiza Pitiusas both drew but a good 3-0 win for Andratx who seem to be finding their feet now.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda_division_rfef/grupo3/jornada4

In Tercera RFEF Llosetense are top from Santanyi in second who have a game in hand.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/tercera_division_rfef/grupo11/jornada4

In the Division Honor, the top division of youth football, Barcelona and Espanyol still lead the way, both unbeaten. Our teams are still holding their own with Rcd Mallorca in third, San Francisco sixth and Atlético Baleares 10th. Baleares drew 1-1 with San Fran in their local derby last week.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/division_honor_juvenil/grupo3/jornada4

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com

Asensio Back To Haunt Mallorca

Former Real Mallorca player Marco Asensio scores a hat-trick against his old team

A mixed week for Real Mallorca as a hard fought point at home against Villareal on Sunday was blown apart by a 6-1 loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday evening. Firstly the point against Villareal last Sunday was done with three centre halves injured and against the Yellow Submarine who are the Europa League Cup holders. Then for me the coach Luis Garcia Plaza chose an under strength team to play Real Madrid in Madrid. Two years ago Baba dominated the midfield in the home game with Madrid but he was dropped to the bench along with six others that started the Villareal game. Seven changes! That says I’m saving you for the Osasuna game on Sunday. Maybe he’s right and after what he’s done with this team who am I to criticise? But I thought we could have given them a game at full strength and it would have been nice to see us have a go. Anyway the less said the better, the only bright spark was the goal from new signing Lee Kang In.

The coach said “When you have a bad game at another stadium, you lose. When you do that against an opposition like Madrid, you get a good beating. The game started badly and the team got nervous. There’s nothing to say when you have such a bad game.

“We haven’t been there in defence at all. We’ve been outplayed and they’ve been very good. They already scored five against Celta. We have to correct things, but nobody has to change the way they work. We have eight points. We knew we would have hard moments and the first one has come.”

Tomorrow at 2pm they are at home to Osasuna who are just above them on goal difference. It’s also the return of Budimir to the stadium with a healthy crowd in to give him some gub. The way he forced his way out of the club who had taken a chance on him to me was awful and I hope they stuff them.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera/grupo1/jornada6

Surprise, surprise UD Ibiza got another draw last weekend this time at home to Real Oviedo. Worth noting though despite 5 draws out of 6 they are the only unbeaten team in the division. They had chances to win this game but after Oviedo equalised in the 72nd minute they were lucky to come away with a point. Coach Juan Carlos Carcedo said “it was a fair point and we have to carry on working hard”. Today at 4pm they play Burgos at home and hopefully the 3 points are theirs at 5.45.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda/grupo1/jornada6

Week four of the season and Baleares were away in Andorra. After last weeks struggle in the 35c heat against Villareal B, it was I’m sure a relief for all the players to be playing in mild temperatures of 15c.

Andorra FC are a club owned by Gerard Pique’s Kosmos Holding Group and this season they sealed an agreement to play at the National Stadium. Which interestingly will be the stadium where the National team will play England.

After their 0-0 draw last week with Villareal B, Baleares were looking to get back to winning ways. Coach Xavi Calm made one change from last week with Jose Fran replacing Vinicius Tanque.

Andorra more or less dominated the first half and they deservedly went ahead in the 40th minute when a shot from just inside the box from Carlos Martínez went in off the far post, giving Rene no chance.

A much better start to the second half saw Baleares equalise in the 53rd minute. Jose Fran slipped in Dioni and the striker made no mistake marking his fourth goal of the season. Andorra went back ahead in the 69th minute when a corner arrived to a totally free Zourdine who easily headed in. In the 84th Ignasi who had come on for Jesus Alvaro hit a beautiful cross which was perfect for another substitute “The Tank” Vinicius Tanque who did what he does best and buried the header.

2-2 it finished and that was a fair reflection of the game. Baleares will be disappointed, particularly with the first half but if you can’t win the game, don’t lose it. Andorra are a good side and will give many teams problems this season. Good to see a number of supporters make the trip to the game, which was appreciated by the players at the end.

Coach Xavi Calm said “it was a match that Andorra initially dominated. which of course was not the plan. We shouldn’t concede a goal straight from the corner but we battled back well. We wanted the 3 points but to see how the game went, how open it was, I don’t know if I’m happy with the point but I’m happy with the work we put in.”

Baleares finish the weekend in second place on eight points, two points behind Villareal B who beat Albacete 3-0. Next up is Betis Deportivo(Real Betis B) next Sunday kick-off 12 midday at the Estadio Balear. Tickets are available online at https://atleticobaleares.compralaentrada.com/

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera_division_rfef/grupo2/jornada4

Peña Deportiva lead the way in Segunda RFEF on goal difference from CD Ebro and another Balearic team SD Formentera. Ibiza Pitiusas are mid table and Andratx picked up their first point with an impressive away draw at second placed CD Ebro.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda_division_rfef/grupo3/jornada3

In Tercera RFEF, Poblense dropped their first points of the season with a draw against Constancia. They are joined on 7 points by Manacor and Soller. Good to see Menorca side Mercadal holding their own in 8th place after an impressive 0-2 win at Platges de Calvia.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/tercera_division_rfef2022/grupo11/jornada3

And finally in the highest league of youth football Division Honor, our three teams have had a solid start. CD San Francisco are in 4th place after a 1-0 win against Zaragoza. Real Mallorca lie in 5th after their first defeat of the season 1-0 at Montecarlo UD. Atlético Baleares are 8th after a 0-2 win against Sant Andreu. Big game at the today Atlético Baleares v CD San Francisco at Son Malferit stadium at 18.00.

Results, fixtures and the latest league table can be viewed here;

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/division_honor_juvenil/grupo3/jornada3

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com

Mallorca Lose, Baleares & Ibiza Draw

I said last week that Athletic Club Bilbao will be a difficult place to go and get a result and so it proved. Mallorca’s first defeat of the season as they went down 2-0 to two second half goals.

Coach Luis Garcia Plaza said “In the first half they were a little better than us. They took the game where they wanted it to go. In the second half, until the goal, we were better than them. After the goal, we have to be smarter. Those are my thoughts.”

“After suffering in the first half, in the second I saw that the team could win. We had chances to create danger, but after the goal, things didn’t work out for us. From there, there was no game. It bothers me that when we are at our best they scored that goal.”

This Sunday Mallorca are at home to Villareal. The kick-off is at 14.00 in the afternoon which is a bit of a strange time until you realise that it’s 21.00 in Tokyo Japan and they just happen to have one of their best players in Take Kubo.

Having suffered the first defeat of the season at Athletic Bilbao, the coach is keen to see the squad respond in front of the Visit Mallorca Estadi crowd.

“We are facing a great team,” he told journalists at his pre-match press conference. “For me, Villarreal is at the same level as Sevilla. Not only the squad, but also their coach. They have goals, experience, quality and options from the bench. They are one of the toughest opponents in the league.”

The local government has permitted an increase of fans allowed at the Visit Mallorca Estadi at a maximum total of 10,969 fans for the games against Villarreal CF this weekend and CA Osasuna next weekend.

For the game against Villareal fans who have season tickets which are even numbers will be in attendance, while CA Osasuna will admit those with odd numbered season tickets. The club will send the tickets via email.

This link will show you all the results, the current table and this weekend’s fixtures.

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera/grupo1/jornada4

UD Ibiza have become the draw specialists in La liga Smartbank. They’ve drawn four out of their opening five games and won one. The good thing is they haven’t lost yet the bad thing is they need to start converting those draws into wins. Last week they travelled to Gran Canaria and drew 1-1 with Las Palmas. They went 0-1 with a goal from Sergio Castel in the 12th minute but they were pegged back in the 68th minute with an equaliser from Alberto Moleiro.

This Saturday at 16.00 they’re at home to fifth placed Real Oviedo and 3 points will certainly be welcome.

This link will show you all the results, the current table and this weekend’s fixtures.

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda/grupo1/jornada5

There were big expectations going into last weekends game between Atlético Baleares and Villareal B. Both teams had won their opening two games and both had scored six goals and conceded one. Unfortunately the game failed to live up to those expectations.

Coach Javi Calm chose the same 11 that demolished Albacete 4-1 last weekend, although the bench had three changes Josep Jaume, Cordero and Pedro Orfila all had to withdraw from injury. One of the subs was 19 year old debutant Óscar Sánchez, who they’d signed from Santanyí. This just shows how important it is for Atlético Baleares to be successful, it gives a great opportunity to local talent to succeed too.

Back to the game and it became apparent that the hot weather would also have an effect on how the game would be played. It was touching 35c at one point and the players were constantly drinking water to keep themselves hydrated.

It was hot for the crowd too with some fans shirtless, others seeking shade from umbrellas and the bars doing a roaring trade on soft drinks.

Neither side had a chance that you would class as dangerous and both goalkeepers had a very comfortable afternoon. The referee Albert Català was the only one really to get a reaction from the 2,200 strong crowd and not in a positive way. He made some very strange decisions throughout the game including a deliberate block on Alfonso in the area which probably should have been a penalty.

At the end of the game coach Xavi Calm said “it was very difficult today with the heat and we weren’t able to dominate like we did last week. We had good possession with the ball but the final pass was missing. It’s a point against one of our rivals and now we need to move on to Andorra and secure three points.”

They still finish the weekend on top with Villareal but they are now joined on seven points by Gimnastic de Tarragona and RB Linense.

Next week they’re away in Andorra which should be a lot cooler as the kick-off is at 17.00. They are next at home on September 26th against Betis Deportivo.

This link will show you all the results, the current table and this weekend’s fixtures.

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/primera_division_rfef/grupo2/jornada3

In Segunda RFEF these were last week’s results.

Ejea 1 Sd Formentera 2

Huesca B 1 Peña Deportiva 1

Andratx 0 Teruel 1

Ibiza Pitiusas 2 Tarazona 0

Formentera are the only club along with CD Ebro to have a 100% record. Andratx are struggling having not got a point yet in their first two games.

This link will show you all the results and the table.

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/segunda_division_rfef/grupo3/jornada2

In Tercera RFEF Poblense have started strong, they are top and yet to concede a goal.

This link will show you all the results, the current table and this weekend’s fixtures.

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/tercera_division_rfef2022/grupo11/jornada2

And finally in Division Honor, there were good wins for Real Mallorca and San Francisco but Baleares lost 2-1 to Real Zaragoza.

https://www.resultados-futbol.com/division_honor_juvenil/grupo3/jornada2

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com

Atlético Baleares Go Top

No game last weekend for RCD Mallorca due to the international break. Tomorrow at 21.00 they have a difficult away game against Athletic Club Bilbao. Unbelievably every single one of Athletic Club’s players was either born in the Basque Country or brought up there.

As an institution, Athletic Club and all its supporters are characterised by a steadfast belief in a set of values which are becoming increasingly uncommon in football and 21st century sport. Athletic Club takes pride in its own and has a philosophy and way of seeing football that is unique in the world of football. This ideal is fully reflected in its policy of promoting academy players.

Athletic Club is based in Bilbao, a city situated in Biscay, a province which makes up part of the Basque Country. The club’s sporting philosophy is governed by a code which states that Athletic Club may only field players who have come through its own academy or the academies of other clubs in the Basque Country, or players who were born in the following territories which constitute the Basque Country: Biscay, Gipuzkoa, Alava, Navarre, Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre.

A stern test for Mallorca who like their hosts go in to the game unbeaten.

My first game after the lockdown was Atlético Baleares and after a disappointing season last year, it was time to go back and see what has changed. You can only be impressed by the stadium with the main stand completed and temporary stands behind each goal. The pitch is like a carpet and in great condition.

UD Ibiza continued their unbeaten run in La Liga Smartbank last weekend. Although they will be disappointed to only get a point from a game they dominated against SD Amorebieta. They went 0-1 down in the 3rd minute when their goalkeeper German came for a cross which he never looked like getting to and Obieta’s header looped into the goal. Ibiza’s pressure eventually told when Castel rifled in from the edge of the box. In the words of Our Man in San Man, “Ibiza had more than enough chances but could only get a point. They will have to be more clinical in the future.”

Two games, two wins and top of the league for Atlético Baleares in their quest to get promoted to La Liga Smartbank. On paper it looked like it would be a difficult game against Albacete, who’d won 3-1 against Castellón the previous week. But in all honesty Baleares blew their opponents away with three goals in the first half, one more in the second and running out 4-1 winners, sending the 2,200 spectators home happy. They were helped by some poor Albacete defending particularly in the first half. Also their new striker Dioni Villalba looks a good signing with a hat-trick in his first home game. He was the only change from the team that won in Cornelia 0-2 last week.

They went 1-0 up as early as the 5th minute as a defensive mix-up led to the Albacete goalkeeper upending Canario and conceding a penalty. It wasn’t a goal scoring opportunity, so the referee gave the keeper a yellow card. Dioni dispatched the penalty with ease to put the home team ahead. Albacete equalised against the run of play in the 10th minute when a defensive long ball found its way to Jordi Sanchez who calmly slotted the ball past Rene Roman.

Baleares retook the lead on the 32nd minute when a training ground corner routine saw Iñaki head them in front. That lead was increased in the 40th minute when Canario and Hugo combined to set up Dioni for his second goal and Baleares went in 3-1 up at the break.

Any hope of a comeback from Albacete were dashed in the 51st minute, a shot from Canario came back off the post and Dioni was on hand to slot home his hat-trick and Baleares fourth goal. A couple of smart saves from Roman kept the visitors at bay and they ran out 4-1 winners.

Coach Xavi Calm said after the game, “The intention throughout the week was for everyone to be happy at two in the afternoon, so we have to celebrate it because it was a difficult match. The attitude from the whole team was great and we are of course happy but now we are thinking about Villarreal.”

Which is this coming Sunday at 12 midday at the Estadio Balear. Their B side is joint top with Baleares with exactly the same goals scored(six) and goals conceded(one). It should be an interesting encounter.

The results from the first round of Segunda RFEF,

Peña Deportiva 1 Ejea 0

Tarazona 2 Andratx 0

SD Formentera 2 Ibiza Pitiusas 1

This weekends games,

Sunday 12.00: Ejea v Sd Formentera

Sunday 12.00: Huesca B v Peña Deportva

Sunday 12.00: Andratx v Teruel

Sunday 12.00: Ibiza Pitiusas v Tarazona

The results from the first round of Tercera RFEF Baleares,

Santanyi 2 UD Collerense 1

PE Sant Jordi 0 Manacor 2

Binnisalem 1 Inter Ibiza 0

Llósetense 2 Constancia 1

Poblense 3 Campos 0

Platges de Calvia 0 Múrense 0

CF Sant Rafel 6 Son Veri 0

Rotlet Molinar 1 Mercadal 1

Real Mallorca B 1 SD Portmany 3

Soller 1 Felanitx 0

This weekends games,

Saturday 17.00: Felanitx v PE Sant Jordi

Saturday 17.30: Constancia v Binnisalem

Saturday 18.00: Campos v Soller

Saturday 18.30: UD Collerense v Real Mallorca B

Saturday 19.00: Manacor v Rotlet Molinar

Saturday 19.00: Severense v Santanyi

Saturday 19.30: Son Veri v Platges de Calvia

Sunday 11.30: Inter Ibiza v Poblense

Sunday 12.30: Mercadal v CF Sant Rafel

Sunday 16.30: SD Portmany v Llosetense

The results from Division Honor,

Atlético Baleares 1 Cornelia 1

UD U Bellvitge 0 Real Mallorca 1

CD San Francisco 1 Espanyol 2

This weeks fixtures,

Sunday 11.30: Real Mallorca v CD Ebro

Sunday 12.00: Zaragoza v Atlético Baleares

Sunday 16.30: Cornelia v CD San Francisco

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com

Women’s Football in the Balearics

I wanted to start this week with a shout out to a brand new Women’s football team. Women’s football is going great guns around the World especially in the Uk and here in Spain. Up to the age of 14 girls here in the Balearics can play in boys teams but after that they have to go to an adult team. Which is a little daunting for some, so this new team are there to bridge that gap. Playas de Calvia and one of their coaches Leon Blakeley are inviting female players to join them every Monday and Wednesday from 19.00 to 20.30 at the pitch in Son Ferrer. We have a good history of producing women’s footballers here, three of the Barcelona ladies squad that gubbed Chelsea in the Champions League Final are from Mallorca. Reserve Goalkeeper Cata Coll, was born in Portol, played for UD Collerense and has done some training with my youngest goalkeeper Son Jude. Forward Mariona Caldentey was born in Felanitx and played for UD Collerense and finally midfielder Patri Guijarro who was born in Palma, played for CF Patronato and UD Collerense before moving to Barcelona at the age of 17. This is a great opportunity and maybe one you’ll be playing for Barcelona too.

It was great to get back to watching Real Mallorca in La Liga again and with my two boys made it even more enjoyable. I thought they dominated the game against Espanyol and probably should have won by more than the 1-0 score line. Dani Rodriguez got the winning goal and in most people’s eyes the man of the match. But I would have given it to Baba in central midfield as he dominated the midfield and doing all the unseen, unpretty work which paved the way for the win. Former coach Vincente Moreno got a bit of gub from the fans and didn’t seem to enjoy his return. So a good three points and by the end of the weekend they lie in sixth place. Coach Luis Garcia Plaza said “It is the most complete match we have played against RCD Espanyol. We were superior – especially in the first half. The boys had a great game.” “This is LaLiga and we will suffer. There will be bad luck, and after the break there are three very complicated matches against Athletic Club, Villarreal CF and Real Madrid.” “We have to enjoy the moment, we have seven points and no one is taking that away from us.”

A good transfer window too, in the last week we saw South Korean international Kang In Lee and American international Matthew Hoppe arrive to strengthen an already strong squad. With Japanese International Kubo arriving earlier in the window, the club now have a major foothold into the Asian and American markets. No surprise that they have a new Japanese sponsor for the front of their shirts. Also the club have approached the City council to remove the running track and make the fan experience even better. I like what the owners are doing and long may they continue.

As far as starts away from home go it couldn’t have gone much better for Atlético Baleares. A 0-2 away victory against Cornelia was a great result. The man of the match was number 10 and Captain, Canario who was a thorn in the side of the team from Catalonia all game. Baleares settled their nerves as early as the 8th minute when a cross from the left found its way to Canario who gratefully buried it. The game turned in the 30th minute when Cornelia left back Rulo inexplicably head butted Canario right on the nose. I can’t believe he tried to maintain his innocence as it was clearly a Glasgow kiss of full proportions! Down to 10 men it was a struggle for Cornelia but they did have a great opportunity in the 41st minute. Goalkeeper Rene who was the preferred choice ahead of Xavi Genard came out to the edge of his area and punched away a free kick only for one of the Cornelia defenders to lob the ball back goal-wards. It bounced a couple of yards before the goal-line, hit the bar and dropped back into Rene’s grateful arms. There weren’t too many alarms in the second half and the game was over as a contest in the 55th minute when a good run from left back Jesus Alvaro led to the ball arriving at Canario’s feet and he couldn’t miss from 8 yards out. They managed to see the rest of the game out to finish 0-2 winners.

Coach Xavi Calm said after the game “Only by playing and competing as a team can you win in a stadium like this. It was in my opinion a deserved victory.

This Sunday the 5th of September at 12 Midday they play current league leaders Albacete who beat CD Castellón 3-1 last weekend. They are allowed a crowd of 2,200, which means all 2,100 season ticket holders will be allowed to enter and another 100 tickets are available online. I’m going along with my youngest son and at the time of writing there we’re still tickets available on their website at just 10€ each.

UD Ibiza got their first win of the season with a 1-2 victory away at Leganés. Three games in and their still unbeaten with a win and two draws. They definitely seem to be holding their own, as they currently lie in sixth place. This Sunday at 16.00 they are at home to SD Amorebieta who were bottom of the table last week until they beat promotion favourites Almeria 2-1. Should be an interesting match in front of a crowd of 50% of their capacity.

Segunda División RFEF starts this weekend with four of our Balearic teams in action.

Peña Deportiva v Ejea, 12 noon Sunday

Tarazona v Andratx 12 noon Sunday

SD Formentera v Ibiza Pitiusas 18.00 Sunday

The winner will go up to Segunda RFEF and the next four will play off for the other place.

Tercera División RFEF starts too. This is going to be a keenly contested league, with teams from Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. The winner will go up to Segunda RFEF and the next four will play off for the other place.

Santanyi v Collerense

Sant Jordi v Manacor

Binissalem v Inter Ibiza

Llosetense v Constància

Poblense v Campos

Platges de Calvià v Murense

Ibiza Sant Rafel v Son Veri

Mallorca B v Portmany

Rotlet Molinar v Mercadal

Soller v Felanitx
Finally this week, Division Honor, the highest division in youth football begins this week. We have three teams from the Balearics competing.

UD U Bellvitge v Real Mallorca

CD San Francisco v Espanyol

Atlético Baleares v Cornelia

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com

Real Mallorca Get Their First Win and Ibiza Take a Point

Real Mallorca continued their early season form with a 0-1 away win against Alaves. I said last week that they only picked up 6 points away from home two years ago in La Liga so they’re halfway to that total already. Manolo Reina who took a bit of flack last week for the goal scored by Real Betis, was back in great form with a couple of smart saves in the first half. Abdon Prats was unlucky with a header at the beginning of the second half, which hit the bar and post. Mallorca were helped by a second half sending off for Alaves and the pressure eventually paid off. A sublime through ball from Salvá Sevilla to new loanee signing Fer Niño led to him lobbing the keeper to put the visitors 0-1 up. They managed to play the clock down without any alarms to secure their first win of the season. The difference for me was the substitutions made by Luis García Plaza, the strength of the squad changed the game. He was able to bring on Fer Niño, Salvá Sevilla, Amath and Battaglia, that’s why I think they’ll keep themselves in the division this season.

The coach said, ““It was an even first half. Both teams had chances, but in the second half it was a little more balanced. The team had the character we were looking for. We have got four points in two games and I’m very happy for the group. We have flaws, but what I have seen from the team has been positive.”

Thoughts now turn to Todays game against Espanyol and former manager Vincente Moreno coming to town. They have drawn their opening two games 0-0 against Villarreal and Osasuna respectively.

An order issued by the High Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands and Direcció General d’Esports del Govern Balear has removed the requirement of any vaccination or testing proof to enter the Visit Mallorca Estadi.

This order will come into immediate effect ahead of the game today against RCD Espanyol at the Visit Mallorca Estadi.

The following health and safety regulations are still required:

The GOIB has authorised a maximum capacity of 8,775 fans (40% capacity).
Supporters will be separated by a seat’s distance to ensure social distancing, regardless if those in attendance are co-habitants.
Compliance with safety and health measures established by the competent authorities is mandatory: use of masks (FFP2 is recommended), fans must remain seated and maintain social distancing – separated by a seat in the stands and 1.5 metres across the rest of the stadium – practice good personal hygiene, no smoking, etc…
Water is permitted at each seat and is the only beverage which can be consumed. However, catering points around the stadium for food and beverage consumption which comply with the regulative norms in place of a maximum of eight people per table and 1.5 metres in distance.

Me and the boys will be there watching a game together for the first time in a year and a half.

UD Ibiza were just 2 minutes away from a famous first victory against Malaga last weekend. Two great goals from Leeds United loanee Mateusz Bogusz, who looks like a great prospect, set them on their way but a fight back from Malaga was complete in the 88th minute when they eaualised.

Coach Juan Carlos Carcedo said, “I want to thank the fans, with them we are stronger. We tried our best but we will have to cut out our errors as points at home will be very important.”

Two draws in their opening two games leaves them mid table with an away game against Leganés this Saturday at 19.30.

Atlético Baleares start their campaign in the newly formed Primera RFEF this weekend with an away match against Cornelia, kick off at 12 midday. It’s a return to one of his former clubs for coach Xavi Calm where he managed Cornelia in the 2018/19 season taking them to fourth place in Segunda B.

He said this week, “I think the new format of the new Primera RFEF is very attractive. We must take advantage of it above all because of the group of players we have. Being a favourite or not does not give us any advantage.”

Last weekend they presented the team to the supporters in the Trofeo Nicolás Brondo. It’s the 52nd time they’ve done this and they ran out 5-0 winners against Manacor.

Segunda RFEF, Tercera RFEF and Division Honor which is the highest level of youth football, all start on September 5th so we’ll look at them next week.

Take care everyone.

Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com