Palma, Aug 25: Mallorca outplay Real Madrid to claim advantage in Super Cup. Cup holders Real Mallorca outplayed league champions Real Madrid to claim a thoroughly deserved 2-1 win in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup at Son Moix on Sunday (August 24). England captain David Beckham, playing his first competitive game for Real in the curtain-raiser to the Spanish season, again looked well below his best and was replaced by French midfielder Claude Makelele 10 minutes into the second half. It was Real who took the lead against the run of play when the unmarked Luis Figo slammed home from close range at the far post on 19 minutes after keeper Leo Franco had misjudged a Beckham corner. But Mallorca, who dominated the midfield in the absence of Makelele, hit back when Ariel Ibagaza threaded a neat pass to the feet of new signing Arnold Bruggink, who snapped home past Iker Casillas with a sharp first-time shot just before halftime. Mallorca picked up where they left off after the break, and midfielder Alejandro Campano made the most of some slack defending to set up Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, who cracked in past Casillas on 48 minutes.


Real Madrid came close to equalising five minutes later, but Cambiasso's powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the post. The Spanish league champions were again thwarted in the 73rd minute, when Roberto Carlos' long-range strike was tipped over the crossbar by Leo Franco.


Even with Makelele on the pitch, Real struggled to find a response and they will need to produce a vastly improved performance if they are to claim the first trophy of the season at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.


Bureau Report