Matthew Hoppe had his first appearance in two months, albeit a short one, in Mallorca’s loss to Barcelona, while Shaq Moore also had time to disturb a couple blades of grass for Tenerife in an otherwise dead weekend for Americans in Spain.
Barcelona 2 – 1 Mallorca
Matthew Hoppe finally broke his nearly two-month streak of inaction, playing the final moments of Mallorca’s 2-1 loss at Barcelona on Sunday night.
Sergiño Dest is injured and likely out for the rest of the season for the Blaugrana.
Memphis Depay put Barca ahead after pulling down Jordi Alba’s cross in the 25th minute and putting it away from near the penalty spot, then Sergio Busquets struck from the edge of the area in the 54th minute for the 2-1 lead.
Ferran Torres had a goal at the 72-minute mark called back for offside, and Mallorca gave themselves some hope in the 79th minute when Antonio Raillo pulled one back with a lunging strike from close range.
Hoppe entered in the 89th minute as Mallorca made one final push for an unlikely equalizer, however the American only had a pair of touches and didn’t manage to get off any shots against a stifling defense from the hosts.
The loss leaves Mallorca one point clear of the relegation places with four games left, and a visit to fellow strugglers Granada on Saturday.
Notes
Shaq Moore played the final three minutes of regulation plus added time for Tenerife in their 2-0 road win over Lugo on Sunday. Samuel Shashoua has a minor injury and did not suit up. The victory gives Tenerife a six-point cushion in the promotion playoff spots with four games left, and a visit to fifth-place Girona on Sunday.
Yunus Musah was a 93rd minute substitute for Valencia on Sunday, as they managed to overcome an early red card to claim a 1-1 home draw against last-place Levante.
Alaves gave themselves a narrow path to survival with their 2-1 home win over Villarreal on Saturday afternoon, however Matt Miazga watched the surprising victory from the team’s bench.
