Real Mallorca and Deportivo La Coruna clashed at the Iberostar Estadi on Sunday with both teams occupying the bottom two places in the table.
It was the home side that took the lead courtesy of a deflected strike from Victor after 19 minutes, but Silvio levelled for Deportivo eight minutes later.
The away side took the lead early in the second period when Carlos Marchena tapped home from close range, before Riki made it 3-1 on the hour mark.
Emilio Nsue had one back for Mallorca late on, but it was not enough to secure a share of the spoils.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga comes from the Iberostar as Real Mallorca welcome Deportivo La Coruna in arguably the standout fixture of the weekend. There may be 10 matches of the league season remaining, but this match will go a long way to deciding the fate of these two sides. It truly is a six-pointer.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Deportivo have enjoyed the best of it with two wins from the last five, with the other three ending in a draw. The two teams have also met in the Copa del Rey this season with Mallorca advancing on away goals following a 1-1 draw in the away leg. The omens do appear to point to another stalemate.
Mallorca’s run of back-to-back victories was ended by Real Madrid before the international break, but six points from three matches has moved them within three points of safety. Another win this afternoon would move them level on points with 17th-placed Real Zaragoza. However, they are up against a side that has the same target in mind.
Mallorca’s struggles this season have mainly come on their own turf with just four wins from their 13 matches, losing six times in the process. That said, their away form has been far from spectacular with two wins from 15 matches. This is the type of game that they simply have to win if they are to move clear of the bottom three.
TEAMS:
MALLORCA: Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Geromel, Luna; Tissone, Marti, Pina, Victor; Alfaro, Giovani
DEPORTIVO: Aranzubia; Marchena, Pablo, Aythami, Silvio; Valeron, Aguilar, Dominguez; Riki, Gama, Pizzi
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Mallorca side this afternoon with Giovani dos Santos once more joined in attack by Alfaro. There is no place for Tomer Hemed, however, who takes his place on the bench. Deportivo, meanwhile, name a three-pronged attack with Riki, Bruno Gama and Pizzi all starting.
Deportivo, however, will have been boosted by their 3-1 win over Celta Vigo last time out. They remain bottom of the table on 20 points, but victory this afternoon would hand them another lifeline as they fight to remain in the division. The top of the table may be sorted in La Liga, but the bottom remains thrilling.
Deportivo have won four of their 14 matches on their own turf this season, losing seven times in the process. Far from disastrous, but it has been their away record that has aided their struggles. In fact, they are the only team in the division to not record a single win on the road, losing nine and drawing five of their 14 matches.
Let’s take a look at some statistics ahead of the match. Mallorca have the second-worst defensive record in the division having conceded 55 goals in their 28 matches. The worst record? Yep, Deportivo, who have conceded 59 goals. Down the other end, both have fared better with Mallorca scoring 30 goals to Deportivo’s 32.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Both teams have been impressive in recent weeks, but I cannot see past Mallorca due to Deportivo's torrid form on the road. It is a 2-0 home win for me.
Just a reminder of the main team news this afternoon. Giovani and Alfaro once more continue in attack for Mallorca, meaning that Tomer Hemed starts on the bench. Alan Hutton also continues in defence alongside Jose Nunes. Meanwhile, Deportivo leave Paulo Assuncao on the bench, with Juan Carlos Valeron handed a start. The home side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but there is certainly a good atmosphere. Do not be fooled by the sun in Mallorca, it is a bitter afternoon. First real sign of Dos Santos as the Mexican collects possession on the right before drilling a low cross into the box, but it moves along the edge of the penalty area without a touch.
Pina is the threat this time for Mallorca as the Spaniard combines with Luna before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but Aranzubia comes a long way to collect the danger. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be decisive in this type of match. The term 'six-pointer' is used far too much, but this match falls into that category.
Not too much for the away side in the opening six minutes with Mallorca controlling possession of the ball. No real chances to report, but once more Dos Santos looks the danger for the home side. Jose Marti tries his luck from distance, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Deportivo are just struggling to get hold of the ball at the moment with the likes of Tissone and Jose Marti controlling the midfield for Mallorca. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of challenges, although he is yet to issue a card. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock.
First real chance for Manuel Pablo to get forward from defence as the Deportivo right-back fires a low cross into the penalty area, but Jose Nunes steps across to clear the danger. Both of these sides may occupy the bottom two spots in the league, but there are goals in each team. Alfaro hits the post down the other end, but the offside flag had been raised.
Better from Deportivo in the last couple of moments as they press Mallorca into their own half, but the likes of Riki and Bruno Gama have been staved of possession thus far. Pizzi does manage to gather the ball before firing a cross into the box, but it is cleared for a corner, which is headed away by Jose Nunes.
Half-chance for the away side as Aythami demonstrates fine technique to turn and strike a high ball in one movement, but Aouate is equal to the danger. It must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. Once more Giovani is the target for Hutton's cross, but it comes to nothing.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Victor ghosts into the penalty area to meet a cross from Hutton, but he can only turn wide of the post from close range. However, it would not have counted with the linesman raising his flag. Good tempo to the opening 16 minutes, but we still await the first real sight of goal.
Good pressure from Mallorca in the last couple of moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Aranzubia before Luna heads the second over the crossbar. Not too much quality on display in the middle of the park, but plenty of excitement between these two relegation rivals.
GOAL! Mallorca 1-0 Deportivo (Victor)
The home side have the lead in this key clash as Victor's effort is deflected past Aranzubia and into the back of the net. Not the prettiest of strikes from the Mallorca midfielder, but that will not matter one jot. Big moment in this match.
Back to the drawing board for Fernando Vasquez and his side. They had just started to come back into proceedings, but that goal has changed the entire complexion of the match. Just about at the midway point in the first period, with Mallorca ahead. It is so important that Deportivo stay in the match for the next 10 minutes or so.
Good possession from Deportivo in the last few moments with the likes of Valeron and Riki seeing plenty of the ball, but they have just been unable to craft their way through this stern Mallorca defence thus far. A long-range effort comes from Gama, but Aouate was always comfortable in gathering the danger.
GOAL! Mallorca 1-1 Deportivo (Silvio)
Wow! Deportivo level just before the 30-minute mark as Silvio dances his way into the penalty area before curling an effort into the bottom corner. That is his second goal in as many games. Pulsating clash between these two relegation rivals.
Little over 15 minutes to play in the first period and it is just about as delicately poised as you could imagine at this stage of proceedings. Mallorca attempt to regain the lead with a fine strike from Giovani, but his effort is just wide of the post. The atmosphere remains red-hot inside the stadium.
Another half-chance for the away side as Riki is first to react in the Mallorca penalty area, but he can only poke his effort wide of the post when he might have done better. The resulting goal kick is allowed to bounce by the Deportivo defence, but Aranzubia comes out to claim at the vital moment.
Again Riki is involved for Deportivo as he crafts into the penalty area before finding Gama, but his effort is just wide of the post. Another cross into the box causes problems as Nunes fails to clear the danger, but Aouate does come to claim. Difficult few moments for the home side.
Half-chance for the home side down the other end as Pina meets a bouncing ball outside the penalty area, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the post. Plenty of attacking intent for Mallorca as Hutton and Luna continue to push forward from defence, but the final ball has been lacking thus far.
The home side want a penalty as Pina hits the deck under a challenge from Pablo, but the referee instead decides to book the Mallorca midfielder for simulation. For me, he just lost his balance while running at full speed. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alfaro rises highest in the penalty area, but his header is wide of the post. Depor attempt to break down the other end with Valeron, but he never had the pace to move away from the defenders. It remains 1-1 in what has been a very entertaining first period of football.
Not too much to report in the final few moments of the first period with both sides guilty of a host of poor challenges. In fairness, it has not been an ill-mannered affair, especially when you take into account the importance of the match. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining in the first period at the Iberrostar.
Mallorca have another penalty shout as Marchena fells Giovani on the edge of the box, but the referee says that the foul occured just outside. The resulting free kick is taken by the Mexican, but it is just wide of the post. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Mallorca 1-1 Deportivo
So there we have it. The first period is brought to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. The home side had the lead after 19 minutes courtesy of a deflected effort from Victor, but Deportivo were level through Silvio just eight minutes later. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Deportivo have just shaded the possession with 51%, while they have had four attempts to Mallorca's three. In truth, it is not difficult to see why these two sides have struggled this season, plenty of nice football in the middle third, but no real potency where it matters.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Nsue, Hemed and Pedro Bigas. Meanwhile, Deportivo have the likes of Diogo Salomao and Nelson Oliveira in reserve. I suspect we will see changes at some point in the second period.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this evening in La Liga. Following the completion of this match Real Sociedad will attempt to strengthen their grip on fourth when they travel to Espanyol, before Atletico Madrid host Valencia in the late start. We also have two matches to bring you tomorrow from 6.30pm. Be sure to join us for that.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising at this stage of the match. As it stands, Deportivo would remain bottom on 21 points, while Mallorca would sit 18th with 25 points. The away side get the half underway.
It's good work from Luna as the Spaniard evades two challenges before whipping a cross into the penalty area, but Aranzubia comes to claim under pressure from Alfaro. Depor break down the other end with Gama, but the Portuguese cannot find his fellow countryman Pizzi. Lively start to the second half.
GOAL! Mallorca 1-2 Deportivo (Marchena)
Pedro Geromel becomes the latest player to have his name taken for a late challenge on Riki just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick is taken by Pizzi, with Marchena the first to react to the loose ball to tap home from close range. What a big moment in this match.
Well, that has certainly changed the complexion of the relegation zone. Should Mallorca go down this season, they will look at their vulnerability from set-pieces as one of the main reasons for their struggles. Alfaro looks to respond down the other end with a powerful header, but his effort was wide of the post.
Mallorca have the ball in the back of the net as Pina curls an effort into the top corner, but the flag had been raised, much to the frustration of the home supporters. Another half-chance emerges moments later after good work from Giovani, but his powerful effort moves wide of the post.
Good possession from the home side in the last few moments as they continue to dictate the tempo outside the penalty area, but they just cannot find that elusive final pass. Pina is involved once more down the left, but his cross into the penalty is cleared by the impressive Aythami.
Not too much from the away side in the last few minutes as they struggle to cope with the flow of Mallorca pressure. However, with their lead in tact, they will be happy to sit back and defend. But you just get the feeling that there is going to be some late drama. More than 30 minutes of football to be played in Mallorca.
Mallorca make their first and second changes of the match as Nsue and Hemed replace Victor and Marti. Much more of an attacking threat on the pitch with 59 minutes on the clock. Deportivo once more threaten on the counter with Pizzi, but the Portuguese's cross towards Gama is just too long for his fellow countryman.
GOAL! Mallorca 1-3 Deportivo (Riki)
Deportivo have their third of the match as Riki heads home from close range. It was good work from Pizzi who darted into the box before testing Aouate, the Mallorca stopper made the save, but Riki was on hand to turn into the back of the net. Are they heading for their first away win of the season?
This really could be a terrible result for Mallorca if they do indeed suffer defeat here. As it stands, Deportivo would remain bottom of the table, but they would sit just one point behind Mallorca and four points from safety. It really is hotting up at the bottom of the table.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Giovani darts down the left before whipping a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Aranzubia collects. Riki once more threatens down the other end as he weaves into the penalty area, but Aouate is able to gather the danger. Little over 25 minutes remaining.
Mallorca continue to push players forward with each attack, but it is a case of too many cooks as Giovani runs into his own man in the penalty area. You get the feeling that there are more goals in this match, but Deportivo are a threat on the counter. Some 20 minutes of La Liga football on the way. Be sure to remain with us.
Good pressure from the home side in the past few minutes as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Aranzubia before Alfaro heads over the crossbar. A free kick outside the box arrives moments later, but Giovani can only find the stands.
Pizzi attempts to beat the offside trap for the away side as be bends his run behind the Mallorca defence, but the offside flag is indeed raised. The free kick is taken quickly by Aouate, who finds Pina just outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. It just isn't happening at the moment.
It's good work from Hemed as the powerful striker drives into the opposing penalty area before advancing on goal, but Pablo is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner is floated straight into the box, but once more Aranzubia comes to collect. All one-way traffic with just over 15 minutes remaining.
Half-chance down the other end as Pizzi evades two challenges before advancing towards Aouate, but the experienced stopper is out to collect the danger. This might not have been the most technically pleasing La Liga clash you will ever see, but it has been full of incident and excitement.
Depor make their first change of the match as Gama is replaced by Diogo Salomao. Still the one sub remaining for Mallorca should Manzano so wish. Little over 10 minutes of football to play, unless Mallorca score twice, Deportivo will move to within four points of survival.
Mallorca do indeed make their third change of the match as Tissone is replaced by Javi Marquez. Meanwhile, it appears that Deportivo are also preparing to make another change. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with Deportivo comfortable in possession of the ball. They have been really impressive this afternoon.
Deportivo do indeed make their second change of the match as Portuguese international Nelson Oliveira replaces Riki, who has once more been the standout player for his side. Mallorca create another half-chance following good work from Giovani, but the Mexican is eventually crowded out in the penalty area.
Mallorca just appear to have run out of ideas as we approach the final five minutes. It would not be correct to say that Deportivo have been comfortable, but they would have expected a tougher test, especially in the second period. Half-chance for Valeron down the other end, but his low strike is wide of the post.
Another half-chance for the home side as Nsue meets a cross from Giovani, but his header is palmed wide of the post. The resulting corner is whipped into the box towards Pina, but once more he cannot find the target.
GOAL! Mallorca 2-3 Deportivo (Nsue)
Controversial moment here as Nsue turns home from close range to score Mallorca's second goal of the match, but it did appear that he was standing in an offside position. What a finish we have on our hands. Can Mallorca level late on?
Deportivo make their third change of the match as Ze Castro replaces Valeron. Mallorca continue to force the issue with a series of high balls into the penalty area, but the danger is scrambled clear. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of added time.
It is all one-way traffic at the moment as Mallorca continue to flood forward in numbers, but another attack comes to an end with Giovani unable to find a teammate in the box. Nsue is a threat from the left moments later, but his cross flashes past the far post.
Desperate defending from Deportivo as they manage to clear two corners in quick succession before Pizzi carries the ball down the field. Little over 30 seconds of stoppage time remaining and Deportivo are heading for their first away win of the season. Is there time for one more chance?
FULL-TIME: Mallorca 2-3 Deportivo
So there we have it. Deportivo pick up their first away win of the season to move to within one point of Mallorca. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Espanyol against Real Sociedad. Until then!
