Mallorca vs Levante preview - Caparros: Belief has been key

Posted Saturday, May 05, 2012 by PA

Three consecutive wins have propelled Real Mallorca into European contention and manager Joaquin Caparros has attributed their form in recent weeks to the players' belief.

The Islanders had not won three league games on the bounce for three years before victories over Real Zaragoza, Getafe and finally Rayo Vallecano in midweek and they can move into the top six with a win over fifth-placed Levante on Saturday.

"It has been a marathon in a very demanding championship," Caparros told Marca.

"We have suffered a lot and there has been a lot of tension in the dressing room because the group and I demand a lot.

"We have had luck on our side though which in football is very important. Now, their spirits are high and there is a very strong faith and you know that faith can move mountains."

The Mallorca boss will however have to do without his captain, Ivan Ramis, who is suspended so Marti Crespi is expected to come in to partner Chico in central defence.

Levante meanwhile saw their Champions League ambitions fade as they were beaten 1-0 by Zaragoza in midweek but defender Pedro Lopez insists they can still finish in the top four.

Los Granotes are currently three points behind Malaga but have a better head-to-head record should they finish level on points.

He told Marca: "We still have time to finish fourth, we have to see if Malaga lose and we can win on Saturday. We have to keep believing, we have had a brilliant season and we can't throw it away with just two games left."

Levante will again be without their top-scorer Arouna Kone due to a knee injury, but Jose Barkero has been included in Juan Ignacio Martinez's squad after missing the trip to Zaragoza.