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Luck-less phase for Real continues with Mallorca loss
Madrid, May 10: Cameroon striker Samuel Eto`o scored twice yesterday to lead visiting Mallorca over Real Madrid 3-2 and put Valencia closer to winning the Spanish League title.
Madrid, May 10: Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o scored twice yesterday to lead visiting Mallorca over Real Madrid 3-2 and put Valencia closer to winning the Spanish League title.
The defending champion's defeat means Valencia would be crowned champion yesterday if it wins at Sevilla. Even if Valencia loses, it would only need two points from its remaining two matches to be sure of lifting the title.
Madrid's loss continued its astounding slump over recent weeks. The world's most star-studded team has lost four of its last five league games - including three at home - leaving it almost certain to end the season without a trophy.
"The end of this season has been terrible," Ronaldo said. "We've tried but things have turned out badly. We're keen to do well but nothing works out."
Valencia has 74 points from 35 games, while defending champion Madrid has 70 from 36 and Barcelona has 69 from 36. Deportivo, which visited Espanyol yesterday, has 65 points.
Mallorca, which humiliated Madrid 5-1 on its last league visit to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, inflicted further embarrassment by netting three times before halftime.
Madrid, lacking suspended Zinedine Zidane, fell behind in the 10th minute when Eto'o showed a characteristic turn of speed to outpace the Madrid defense and lift the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Carlos Queiroz's team gained temporary respite seven minutes later when Pavon powered a header home from an outswinging corner by David Beckham. The goal was the central defender's first in the league this season.
But African Player of the Year Eto'o, who once played for Madrid's reserve team, highlighted Madrid's defensive frailty 20 minutes later with a brilliant second goal.
Collecting a misdirected pass close to the halfway line, the striker weaved his way to the left before darting between Pavon and Luis Figo and shooting home from inside the area.
Madrid's woes increased six minutes later, when midfielder Alejandro Campano floated his free-kick past Casillas for the third goal, provoking a chorus of whistles from the dissatisfied home supporters.
However, Madrid gained an early boost after the restart when Figo scored with a twice-taken penalty after Mallorca striker Andrea Delibasic was adjudged to have fouled the Portuguese midfielder.
Ronaldo, who had been quiet up to then, put the ball in the net in the 65th minute but the goal was disallowed for handball. The Brazilian ace received a yellow card, forcing him out of next week's visit to relegated Murcia.
Mallorca kept Madrid at bay in the closing stages and virtually ensured its first-division survival. Mallorca is 12th with 45 points.
Bureau Report
The defending champion's defeat means Valencia would be crowned champion yesterday if it wins at Sevilla. Even if Valencia loses, it would only need two points from its remaining two matches to be sure of lifting the title.
Madrid's loss continued its astounding slump over recent weeks. The world's most star-studded team has lost four of its last five league games - including three at home - leaving it almost certain to end the season without a trophy.
"The end of this season has been terrible," Ronaldo said. "We've tried but things have turned out badly. We're keen to do well but nothing works out."
Valencia has 74 points from 35 games, while defending champion Madrid has 70 from 36 and Barcelona has 69 from 36. Deportivo, which visited Espanyol yesterday, has 65 points.
Mallorca, which humiliated Madrid 5-1 on its last league visit to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, inflicted further embarrassment by netting three times before halftime.
Madrid, lacking suspended Zinedine Zidane, fell behind in the 10th minute when Eto'o showed a characteristic turn of speed to outpace the Madrid defense and lift the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Carlos Queiroz's team gained temporary respite seven minutes later when Pavon powered a header home from an outswinging corner by David Beckham. The goal was the central defender's first in the league this season.
But African Player of the Year Eto'o, who once played for Madrid's reserve team, highlighted Madrid's defensive frailty 20 minutes later with a brilliant second goal.
Collecting a misdirected pass close to the halfway line, the striker weaved his way to the left before darting between Pavon and Luis Figo and shooting home from inside the area.
Madrid's woes increased six minutes later, when midfielder Alejandro Campano floated his free-kick past Casillas for the third goal, provoking a chorus of whistles from the dissatisfied home supporters.
However, Madrid gained an early boost after the restart when Figo scored with a twice-taken penalty after Mallorca striker Andrea Delibasic was adjudged to have fouled the Portuguese midfielder.
Ronaldo, who had been quiet up to then, put the ball in the net in the 65th minute but the goal was disallowed for handball. The Brazilian ace received a yellow card, forcing him out of next week's visit to relegated Murcia.
Mallorca kept Madrid at bay in the closing stages and virtually ensured its first-division survival. Mallorca is 12th with 45 points.
Bureau Report