FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.01.2008 10:25

Mallorca boosted by cup progress

Jesús Carrillo

Real Mallorca prepare to meet FC Barcelona on Saturday evening in the Ono Estadi after being given a morale boosting victory in the Copa del Rey against Osasuna in midweek.

In the league, though, the Balearic outfit have not been performing as they have one just two points from the last 21 available. Of the eight home games that they have played this term, Mallorca have won just three and have not won at home since October 7, when they beat Getafe 4-2.

Looking up and down

Gregorio Manzano's side are just five points from a UEFA Cup place and yet are only three points from the bottom three. beaing closer to the drop zone is what is worrying the club most and the fact that they have won so few points in their last seven games has not helped lift spirits. Before embarking on that inconsistent run of form, the club were on the brink of challenging for a European place, but now have one eye looking over their shoulders.

Güiza for Tristán

The main change made at the club before the start of the season was the decision to allow Diego Tristán to leave, who opted to move to Italy to ply his trade, and bring in the impressive Daniel Güiza from Getafe. The striker enjoyed a successful campaign last term with the Madrid-based side and prompted Mallorca to try and tempt him to return to the club for a second stint. Pierre Webó also arrived to replace Bosko Jankovic, who left ot join Parma.

Irregularity

Mallorca's season so far can only be described as inconsistent. In Manzano's third year at the helm, in his latest spell in charge, the team has won the same number of points at home as they have let slip. The Balearic outfit have scored 14 goals and let in ten and now have 21 points from five wins, six draws and six defeats.