Mallorca and Sevilla in stalemate

Posted Sunday, November 06, 2011 by Supersport.com

Sevilla was held to 0-0 at Mallorca in the Spanish league on Saturday, while Malaga drew 0-0 at Real Betis in a lackluster Andalucian derby.

Both Sevilla and Malaga struggled to attack in the first half on the rain-soaked pitch at Iberostar Stadium.

Mallorca forward Emilio Nsue came closest to breaking the deadlock with a long strike in the 40th minute that Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas did well to parry.

Mallorca outplayed Sevilla after halftime but failed to convert its chances as it remained winless since coach Joaquin Caparros took over from Michael Laudrup.

Sevilla's fifth draw in as many away games this season left it three points behind fourth-place Valencia.

"The team showed merits enough to have earned the three points, above all in the second half," said Caparros. "If we continue playing like today we will win many games since the attitude of the team, both hungry and angry, was very good."

In Seville, Malaga showed more attacking intent early, but Betis missed the best opportunity to get its first win in seven weeks when Ruben Castro shot over the crossbar from close range seven minutes in.

The draw left Malaga one point behind Sevilla.

Later, Levante looked to rebound from its first loss when it hosted crosstown rival Valencia.

Real Madrid plays Osasuna in Sunday's early match before defending champion Barcelona visits the inform Athletic Bilbao.

Also it's: Granada vs. Racing Santander, Real Zaragoza vs. Sporting Gijon, Espanyol vs. Villarreal, Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Sociedad, and Getafe vs. Atletico Madrid.