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Schalke 04 0 - Mallorca 1 Schalke 04: Reck;
Hajto, Waldoch (Asamoah 70'), Van Kerckhoven; Oude Kamphuis, Van Hoogdalen;
Nemec (Mulder 80'), Möller, Böhme (Büskens 65'); Mpenza, Agali.
3-2-3-2. Goals: Mallorca went back to basics and came away from Gelsenkirchen with a priceless three points. Bernd Krauss's side put up a defensive wall against Schalke 04 and hit them where it hurt with a breakaway goal from Eto'o twenty minutes in to the second half. An injury to Leo Franco at the weekend meant that Argentina's Carlos Roa returned in goal, even though he has not been registered in the Spanish league as the four non-EU places were already taken. Roa's experience was important, especially as they were missing the suspended Fernando Niño, and he marshalled his defence as they kept the German strikers at bay. Schalke though did not put up much of a fight, confirming their bottom place in group C with three defeats in a row. The only danger in the first half came from an effort by Mpenza in the first half which Olaizola headed clear with Roa beaten. Niño's relacement Vicente picked up a knee injury just before half time and had to leave the field, Olaizola moving across to the middle of the defence with Fatih coming on at right back. Even so they kept their ranks, and gradually picked up confidence as the game progressed. Eto'o produced their first real shot at goal on the hour mark, and four minutes later Luque broke free to set up the Camerooni striker for his second in the competition. Mallorca now have six points from three games, and take a huge step towards qualifying for the next league stage. Panathinaikos head the table with nine but have to visit the San Moix in the last match, and with Schalke effectively out of the race the two qualifying spots are between those two and Arsenal, who currently have three points. |
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