Gregorio Manzano confident of Real Mallorca survival

Real Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano has insisted that his side can stave off relegation from La Liga this season.

The Islanders' 1-0 home win against Real Betis on Monday saw them move off the bottom of the table and up to 19th with 32 points from 36 matches.

"I felt almost a little lonely in making the call that we could fight until the end and I maintain it," he told reporters after the match. "The result gives that hope and thread of life in the competition. We must continue on, fighting and dreaming of survival, however hard it is.

"The win was just, deserved and hopeful. The first half was the best I had seen in front of me from the team in all aspects. We reached the break 1-0 against Betis more than deserving.

"The team is competing quite well and within their means. We are very pleased and very happy to prepare for the game at the Vicente Calderon [against Atletico Madrid this weekend], it may also be important."

Mallorca are now three points from safety with two more rounds of matches left to play in La Liga this season.