Mallorca vs Racing de Santander preview - Pina: Victory over Racing is vital

Posted Sunday, November 27, 2011 by PA

Real Mallorca have yet to taste victory in the nearly two months since Joaquin Caparros took charge and midfielder Tomas Pina says winning Sunday's match against rock-bottom Racing Santander is vital for the squad's confidence.

The Islanders were trailing 2-1 to Granada when their match was postponed last weekend and Pina recognises that Mallorca have to take more points against teams in the lower reaches of the table.

He told the club's website: "We have had matches against some of the best teams, like Valencia, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, and taken something from the game.

"Then others, such as the games against Sporting and Granada, have slipped away from us on fine details.

"When a team is near the bottom it appears as if every game is a final and we have to win urgently, we recognise that beating Racing is very important."

Caparros will be able to welcome Ivan Ramis back into the heart of the defence after he served a one-match suspension against Granada but Joao Victor could continue alongside Ramis as regular centre-back Chico is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Racing's 3-1 defeat to Malaga on Monday moved them to the foot of the table on goal difference, but manager Hector Cuper is adamant that with so many teams tightly bunched in the standings his side can make up the ground on those above them.

Speaking at a press conference broadcast on the club's website, he said: "We suffered a huge blow against Malaga and we need to go to Mallorca and win.

"We need the three points to gain some momentum and go on a run, Mallorca are only a point above us and with the parity between the sides being what it is, a win would be an important step for us."

Alvaro Gonzalez is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season on Monday night, with his place in defence set to go to Bernardo.

Julian Luque is expected to be given only his second start of the season after impressing as a substitute against Malaga and Ariel Nahuelpan returns from suspension in attack.

end