Granada CF vs Mallorca preview - Chico demands victory

Posted Sunday, November 20, 2011 by PA

Real Mallorca defender Chico insists nothing less than three points will do when they travel to face fellow strugglers Granada on Sunday.

Mallorca sit 15th in the table, but are only one point better off than Granada, who are second bottom with nine points from 11 games.

Mallorca drew their last game before the winter break 0-0 with Sevilla, with the clean sheet coming as a big relief after a 5-0 drubbing against Barcelona in the match before.

With fixtures against Granada and another bottom three side, Racing Santander, next up, Chico wants Real to put some distance between themselves and the trap door.

"These are now two very important games for us," he said. "We've played in big, difficult games against Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona who will be up there at the end of the season.

"When we are playing against teams who are struggling for survival we have to go for the three points, first in Granada and then at home against Racing."

Mallorca have problems in defence where Nunes is injured and Ivan Ramis is suspended, leading to the possibility that Joao Victor will be pushed back from midfield.

Genk striker Marvin Ogunjimi has joined up with the squad for training after a deal was finally sorted, but he will not become eligible until January.

Granada enjoyed a surprise 2-1 win at Sevilla but then drew their final game before the international break 0-0 with Racing.

Midfielder Abel Gomez admitted that was an opportunity missed, but claimed the team just need a little more luck in front of goal for their fortunes to change.

"We really wanted to win against Racing, but it was not to be," he said. "Now we have another home game and another opportunity for three points.

"We're missing a little something in the final third, but everything will change when we find the goals that are missing."

Portugal midfielder Carlos Martins is expected to be available for the match despite staying at home after international duty due to an illness in the family.