Granada welcomed Real Mallorca to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on Sunday with both teams struggling in the lower regions of the league table.
The home side took the lead after eight minutes courtesy of a header from Nolito, but Alejandro Alfaro levelled for Mallorca four minutes later.
Both sides had changes in the second period, but it was Mallorca that won it in the final minute when Tomer Hemed headed home from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Thanks for joining me on your Sunday morning as Granada welcome Real Mallorca in a real six-pointer at the bottom of the table. Granada have managed to move themselves out of trouble in recent weeks, but Mallorca currently sit in 19th position, some seven points from safety.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Granada have won one and drawn two of their last three matches against Mallorca. The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended in a 2-1 away win, but the last clash in this particular stadium brought a 0-0 draw. You just get the feeling that Mallorca cannot afford to suffer another defeat here.
Many are of the opinion that Mallorca are as good as gone, but they will still feel confident of turning things around. They have taken just one point from their last six matches, however, while their goal difference is also the second-worst in the division. Unfortunately the likes of Giovani dos Santos have been unable to influence proceedings in recent weeks.
Taking a look at their numbers, it is not hard to see why they have struggled this season. They have conceded 48 goals in their 25 matches, which is a total only worsened by two teams, while they have scored the second-least amount of goals with 24. Struggling to score and struggling to keep a clean sheet – it is not a great formula for success.
Their away form also leaves a lot to be desired with just one win from their 13 matches. However, Granada’s home form this season has been far from spectacular with just three wins from their 12 matches, which is testament to their away form that they are not in the bottom three. Mallorca have to believe that they can start their recovery in this match.
TEAMS:
GRANADA: Tono; Siqueira, Mainz, I Lopez; Buonanotte, Ortiz, Nolito, Rico, Recio; Ighalo, Aranda
MALLORCA: Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Conceicao, Luna; Tissone, Marti, Pina, Victor; Alfaro, Giovani
So there we have it. Granada boss Lucas Alcaraz hands a start to former Sevilla midfielder Diego Buonanotte, while Aranda and Ighalo continue in attack. However, Gabriel Torje takes his place on the bench. Mallorca, meanwhile, continue with Giovani and Alfaro as the forward pair. Tomer Hemed once more starts on the bench.
Granada, meanwhile, have taken a presentable nine points from their last six matches, winning three times in the process. They currently sit in 15th position in the table, but are one of about seven teams that are in the relegation scrap. In my opinion, if Granada pick up the win here, then Mallorca are gone and they are safe.
Granada’s numbers make interesting reading. They have conceded 36 goals this season, which is about midtable in terms of the rest of the division, while they have scored just 24, the same total as Mallorca. We could either have a 3-3 this afternoon, or a 0-0. I know which I would prefer.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Mallorca have been really struggling in recent weeks, but Granada's home form has been disappointing this season. Score draw for me.
Today's referee is Jose Gonzalez. Let's hope that we are discussing the football and not the officials come the end of the match. Three points for Granada would move them into 14th, while Mallorca would move to within four points of safety with the victory. The home side get the action underway.
Decent possession from the home side in the opening couple of minutes with Nolito, Mikel Rico and Recio enjoying touches of the ball. The latter collects a pass before attempting to feed Ighalo, but Alan Hutton comes across to clear. The crowd are out in their numbers on this glorious afternoon in Spain.
You just get the feeling that the first goal this afternoon - if there indeed is one - could have a huge say on the final result. Mallorca's first attacking situation arrives as Luna fires a high ball into the penalty area, but Tono comes a long way to clear the danger. Slightly scrappy opening to proceedings here.
Neither team has really taken control of the possession in the opening six minutes with both just attempting to feel their way into the match. Granada have perhaps had more of the ball, but not in the areas that would really worry the away side. It is very pleasing to see such a vast crowd in attendance for this particular match.
Half-chance for the home side as Siqueira drives down the left before firing a low cross into the box, but Jose Nunes just makes contact at the vital moment. Recio is on hand with another cross on the right, but it brings the same outcome. Nothing much from Mallorca as an attacking threat thus far.
The first effort of the match comes from Nolito as the Spaniard strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Aouate was always comfortable in claiming the danger. Mallorca attempt to break down the other end as Giovani is found by Pina, but it breaks down at the vital moment. Decent tempo to the match with nine minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Granada 1-0 Real Mallorca (Nolito)
First blood to Granada! The home side take the lead inside 10 minutes as Nolito meets a cross from Lopez before thumping his header into the back of the net. The worst possible start for Mallorca. Can they respond?
Mallorca are really struggling at the moment as Granada continue to commit players to each attack. Aranda is involved for the home side as he dances into the box before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Mallorca just cannot afford to concede again in the next few minutes.
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GOAL! Granada 1-1 Real Mallorca (Alfaro)
Mallorca level! It's brilliant work from Giovani as the Mexican dances past Lopez before firing a low cross into the box. Alfaro simply cannot miss as he slides into the back of the net from close range. Wow, some opening to this match.
Granada attempt to respond down the other end as Aranda whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Jose Nunes is on hand to make the challenge. Wow, some 16 minutes we have had to this tie. The tempo shows no signs of easing up, meanwhile, as Granada continue to commit numbers to each attack.
The possession certainly belongs to Granada at the moment with the likes of Nolito, Rico and Recio enjoying plenty of the ball in midfield. The latter attempts to slide a low pass behind the Mallorca defence, but Hutton is on the cover. The crowd are certainly pleased with what they have seen thus far.
On the face of it, a point for Mallorca would not be the worst result in the world. But draws are simply not enough at this stage of the season. It is win or bust. That said, I am purely speculating with a large chunk of this match to be played. I suspect that we have not seen the last of the goals this afternoon.
It's good football from the away side as Giovani combines with Tissone before whipping a low cross into the box, but Mainz is across to make the clearance. There is no question that Giovani is the main threat for Mallorca. The first part of the opening period has absolutely flown by with the two sides level at 1-1.
Half-chance for the away side once more as Giovani finds Alfaro in the box, but this time the striker is denied by a diving save from Tono. Slightly scrappy match at the moment with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball, while both teams continue to commit fouls in the opposing half.
Shooting chance for the home side s Aranda is felled outside the box, but Recio's resulting effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That might have landed in Madrid! Another opportunity follows moments later, but Luna thumps clear under pressure from Ighalo.
Not too much for Mallorca to get excited about in the last couple of minutes, but they are defending impressively. Granada remain the side very much in the ascendancy, but they are just struggling to find that elusive final pass. Siqueira does manage to evade Hutton in the penalty area, but Jose Nunes is across to make the challenge.
The resulting corner allows Mallorca the chance to break, but Alfaro is chopped down by Ighalo outside the penalty area. The away side are certainly a threat on the counter, but they need to make better use in the final third. Little over 15 minutes of the first period to play and the score remains 1-1.
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It's good work from Tissone as the Argentine manages to deliver a dangerous cross into the Granada box, but Tono comes out to collect before starting a counter attack for his side. Ighalo is the man involved, but Hutton is across to make the challenge before Mallorca advance down the other end. End-to-end football with 32 minutes on the clock.
It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium has not dropped since the first minute of the match. The supporters really have turned out in their numbers this afternoon. Granada are just trying to force it at the moment, however, with Ighalo chasing lost causes behind the Mallorca defence.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Ighalo becomes the first player to have his name taken for a late challenge on Tissone. The resulting free kick is taken by Giovani, but the Mexican can only fire straight at Tono, before Alfaro has a penalty shout turned down moments later.
Luna becomes the latest player to have his name taken for a late challenge on Granada striker Aranda. The resulting free kick is whipped into the penalty area by Nolito, but Inigo Lopez can only clip his effort over the crossbar from close range. It has been a really high-tempo opening 38 minutes of football in Granada. Both teams are creating decent attacking opportunities.
Another free kick from Giovani causes concern in the Granada penalty area, however, it moves straight along the six-yard box and behind for a goal kick. What more can the Mexican do from that situation? He needs someone to gamble there. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Granada attempt to force the issue once more as Nolito drives down the left before whipping a low cross into the box, but Hutton is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner is floated into the box by Nolito, but Pina is on hand to make the clearance. It remains 1-1 with just over two minutes of the opening period to play.
Half-chance for Granada as Nolito combines with Ighalo before driving into the box, but his low effort is saved by the diving Aouate. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Granada 1-1 Real Mallorca
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 1-1. Granada took the lead with a header from Nolito after nine points, but the away side were level four minutes later when Alfaro tapped home at the far post. It is delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had three attempts to Mallorca's two. Both teams have picked up one yellow card, but there have been just 17 fouls in all. In truth, a draw at this stage just about reflects the first period.
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BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Youssef El Arabi, Gabriel Torje and Iriney. Meanwhile, Mallorca have the likes of Tomer Hemed, Pedro Bigas and Kevin in reserve. There are certainly goals in that particular list.
Just a reminder of what we have to come this afternoon. Be sure to join us from 3.30pm for three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga. Espanyol welcome Real Valladolid at 4pm, before Atletico Madrid travel to Malaga at 6pm. The final match of the day begins at 8pm with Real Sociedad welcoming Real Betis.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is perhaps not too surprising based on the first period. A point would not be the worst result in the world for either of these sides, but Mallorca simply have to start picking up victories if they are to survive. The away side get the half underway.
Early opportunity for the away side as Giovani cuts into the penalty area before finding Luna, but Mainz is across to clear at the vital moment. Ighalo is involved down the other end as he attempts to spin Luna, but the referee blows for a foul. The striker just needs to be careful having already been booked in the first half.
Really lively start to the second period from the away side as Alfaro combines with Giovani before dancing into the box, but this time Inigo Lopez provides the cover before the ball drifts out of play for a goal kick. Mallorca appear to have their tails up at the moment.
It's good feet from Buonanotte as the Argentine evades two challenges, before being chopped down outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Rico, but it is worked short and eventually comes to nothing. The interval has done nothing to slow the tempo of this match. Enthralling encounter between these two troubled sides.
Just a few signs of frustration creeping into both teams as the referee is forced to award a number of free kicks. The Granada supporters think that their side is getting the rough end of the deal in the early stages of the second period. No real chances to report despite the quickness of the match.
I suspect that we will see both manages make some changes in the next 10 or so minutes in the match. The subs are being put through a series of warm-up routines on the sidelines. Granada continue to enjoy the majority of the possession, but Mallorca are always a threat on the counter with the pace and movement of Giovani and Alfaro.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side to move into the lead as Aranda drives into the penalty area before drilling a low effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post at the vital moment. What an opportunity for Granada to regain the lead with around 30 minutes of football to play.
Another half-chance for the home side as Buonanotte whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Hutton is across to clear at the vital moment. Mallorca attempt to counter down the other end with Giovani, but the Mexican just runs out of room at the vital moment. End-to-end football as the second period really begins to gather pace.
CHANCE! Another fine chance for the home side as Ighalo rounds the goalkeeper, but he can only fire over the crossbar from just inside the box. Aranda has a similar chance moments later, but it brings the same outcome. Mallorca really are struggling at the moment. A goal at this stage could prove vital.
Mallorca create a chance of their own as Victor strikes an effort from outside the box, but Tono is on hand to make the save. The pressure continues as Luna fires a low cross into the box, but it moves along the six-yard box and out of play. The Granada goalkeeper has just given his defender an absolute rocket.
Still no movement on either bench, but I suspect that will change in the next five minutes or so. Neither team is really in the ascendancy, but Granada are enjoying more of the possession. You just get the feeling that there is going to be a sting in the tail in the latter stages of this match. Just about 25 minutes of football remaining.
The home side do indeed make the first change of the match as Brahimi replaces Nolito. That is a strange one for me unless the Spaniard is injured? He has been their star performer this afternoon. Mallorca almost create a chance as Giovani turns on the afterburners to reach a pass from Pina, but Tono is just out to clear at the vital moment. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
The home supporters have not let up for one moment of this match. What an incredible atmosphere. It is a real party feeling as the fans continue to clap and wave their flags. This is what football should be about. However, I suspect that would change if their side conceded in the next 20 minutes or so!
Half-chance for the away side as Hutton meets a cross from Giovani at the far post, but Lopez is just across to make the challenge. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Brahimi fires a long pass towards Ighalo, but the pacey striker just cannot keep control at the vital moment. High-tempo football as we enter the latter stages of the match.
The away side make their first change of the match as Hemed replaces Victor, who has just struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. Hemed is Mallorca's top scorer this season with seven goals, but he has not found the back of the net since November. What a time it would be to break that duck this afternoon. Granada follow with another change as Ighalo is replaced by El-Arabi.
Controversial moment here as Giovani is ruled offside while advancing on goal, but replays have shown that the Mexican was indeed level with the final defender. What a horror from the linesman. That could cost Mallorca the chance to pick up a vital three points here.
The home side want a penalty as Jose Nunes appears to handle in the penalty area, but the referee is simply not interested. Meanwhile, there is a slight concern over Anderson here, who has hit the deck just outside the penalty area. The stretcher is on. This is either a serious injury or a plot to waste time. The Brazilian does appear fit to continue. Incredible what that magic sponge can do these days.
CHANCE! Another chance comes to the home side was Aranda meets a cross from Recio, but he can only head over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Anderson has picked up a really nasty head injury during the challenge with the Spaniard. The home supporters are not happy but blood is certainly present. The tempo has just completely evaporated in the last couple of minutes.
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Mallorca do indeed make the change as Tissone is replaced by Javi Marguez. Meanwhile, Anderson has once more been patched up and will soon enter the fray. He has been in the wars in the second period. Simply all one-way traffic at the moment as Granada continue to force the issue.
Half-chance for the away side as Hutton drives down the right before delivering a cross towards Giovani, but Mainz is on hand to make the clearance. You just get the feeling that there is going to be one big chance in the latter stages of the match. Will it be taken?! Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Aranda delivers a low cross towards El-Arabi, but it just would not fall for the striker. Granada want a penalty moments later as Hutton dives into a challenge with Recio, but the referee is simply not interested. Time is running out for both sides.
POST! From nowhere Hemed almost wins it for Mallorca as he advances into the box before beating Tono to the ball, but his effort rolls against the post. My word what a chance for Mallorca to record a vital three points. Meanwhile, both teams make changes as Torje replaces Buonanotte and Alfaro is replaced by Pereira for Mallorca.
It just isn't quite happening for Mallorca at the moment as they continue to throw high balls into the penalty area, but Aouate is on hand to clear the danger. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of added time and we are indeed into the first of those.
Time is running out for Granada as we enter the final minute of stoppage time. A half-chance does arrive as Aranda strikes from the edge of the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. Little over a minute of football remaining, with the two sides still level.
GOAL! Granada 1-2 Real Mallorca (Hemed)
Wow! The away side win it with the last kick, well head of the match as Hemed meets a corner before thumping his header into the back of the net. What a three points for Mallorca.
FULL-TIME: Granada 1-2 Real Mallorca
So there we have it. Incredible end to the match as Hemed scores in the last minute to hand Mallorca all three points. They remain in the relegation zone, but have given themselves a hint of a chance. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and join us for more La Liga football from 3.30pm. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
