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Real beaten at Mallorca, Valencia held by Getafe
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-27 09:09
MADRID, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Third-placed Real Madrid lost 2-1 at lowly Real
Mallorca on Sunday, ending their six-match winning run in the Primera Liga.
With second-placed Valencia held to a 1-1 home draw by Getafe, Barcelona
strengthened their grip at the top thanks to Saturday's 2-0 victory at Real
Zaragoza.
The champions have 58 points from 25 games, Valencia have 50 points and Real
48.
Osasuna, in fourth on 46 points, failed to take advantage of Real's defeat as
they lost 2-1 at home to Deportivo Coruna, who are seventh on 40.
Real were cautious and disjointed after their midweek Champions League defeat
by Arsenal.
The visitors took the lead against the run of play through Sergio Ramos after
32 minutes but 16th-placed Mallorca always looked dangerous.
Argentine striker Leonardo Pisculichi levelled from the penalty spot in the
53rd minute and 10 minutes from time Venezuelan forward Juan Arango grabbed the
winner.
It was new coach Gregorio Manzano's second win in two games since taking over
from Hector Cuper at Mallorca two weeks ago.
"Mallorca were deserved winners," Real coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro told
reporters.
"Their workrate, organisation and finishing was the difference between the
two sides."
Getafe held firm under intense pressure from Valencia until they had
Argentine defender Anibal Matellan sent off in the 65th minute.
Valencia defender David Navarro broke the deadlock from close range after
Fabio Aurelio's free kick was headed back across goal by Mario Regueiro on 78
minutes.
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