Córdoba took a big step forward in the hunt for promotion with a victory Sunday at Mallorca (0-1), at the Iberostar Stadium, a result that propels the Andalusian team into the promotion playoff, while nudging the Mallorcans closer to the brink of relegation.
A goal from Romanian forward Florín Andone in the first half was enough for José Luis Oltra´s team to take three precious points from the clenched fingers of Mallorca, who almost equalized on the foot of Alfredo Ortuño, whose shot from distance clashed off the crossbar.
Consequently, Mallorca will have to take points at Valladolid and hope that Almería trips, to ensure survival in the Liga Adelante.
Against Córdoba, Fernando Vázquez troops created very few chances on the Córdoba net. In the 39th minute, Diogo Salomao tried, but did not trouble the opposing Ghanian goalie.
So, Mallorca tried to change things at halftime by introducing the spry, home-grown Brandon Thomas, in place of Frenchman Michael Pereira.
And, while the change energized the Mallorcan attack that decisively sought a tie, the stern and well-planted Córdoban defense allowed Mallorca no real chances on net.
RCDM center-forward Alfredo Ortuño had the chance to tie in the 83rd minute, as his shot beat the Ghanian-keeper Rasak, but the shot ricocheted off the cross-bar and away from danger.
Lineups:
Mallorca – 0: Cabrero; Company, Aveldaño, Yuste, Oriol: Salomao (Pol Roigé, min. 64), Sabater, Sissoko, Lago Júnior (Acuña, min. 76); Pereira (Brandon, min. 46) and Ortuño.
Córdoba CF – 1: Razak; Stankevicius, Héctor Rodas, Deivid, Cisma; Luso, Caballero (Víctor Pérez, min. 75); Pedro Ríos (Nando,min. 66), Markovic, Fidel (Rafa Gálvez, min. 86); and Florin.
Goals: 0-1, 30th min: Florin Andone
Referee: Gorka Sagués Oscoz, (Basque crew). Yellow-card cautions to (RCDM): Yuste, Sabater, Aveldaño, and Nadal (while on the bench); and to (CCF) Cisma, and And one. Red-card ejection to Córdoba coach José Luis Oltra, in stoppage time.
Attendance: Game played as part of the 41st week of the Liga Adelante, at the Iberostar Stadium, in front of 14,000 spectators.
