FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.04.2007 11:28

Mallorca on the way up

FC Barcelona take on a Mallorca team this Sunday which is sitting in 13th position in La Liga. An opponent, thanks to a good recent run of form, able to feel relaxed about their situation.

With 36 points, Mallorca occupy 13th spot; ten wins, 6 draws and 13 losses. They have scored 31 goals and conceded 40. These statistics, coupled with a good run off form of late, have allowed Mallorca to breathe a little easier as they sit nine points above the drop zone and eleven points from European classification.

On the up

Following a run of four consecutive defeats, which left Gregorio Manzano’s team close to the bottom of La Liga, Mallorca won five games on the trot at home to see them lift themselves away from the drop zone. In the last month, following the painful defeat to Real Sociedad, the Balearic team have achieved a valuable draw in the Vicente Calderon stadium and two home wins; the first against Betis and the second against Getafe.

Defensive force

The recent success of the team has been down to great defensive displays and in recently, Gregorio Manzana has found a starting eleven which has kept the good run intact. The most used players in La Liga, up until now, have been three defenders: Fernando Navarro, Nunes and Ballesteros. At their side have been Jonas, Peyreyra and Ibagaza, who have also laid claim to starting berths. Finally it seems that the coach has found the backbone of the team.

Toni Prats was the number one keeper for the best part of the season, however, in the last five games he has given Moya the chance to prove himself. The young keeper from Mallorca, who has come up through the ranks, has only let in 1 goals in three games and therefore, has gained the confidence of the coach. The top scorer is Bosko Jankovic (8 goals). The newest squad member is that of winter signing Oscar Trejo. The Argentine made his debut last week against Getafe and scored a great goal.

System of Play

Mallorca have struggled to find their style. They started off with a 4-4-2 with Prats in goals and Maxi Lopez and Tuni up front. Now they play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Victor and arguably the Balearic outfit’s top player, midfielder Juan Fernando Arango (7 goals) running the play.