Espanyol’s hopes of European football next season took another blow as Mallorca came from behind to win 2-1 at El Prat.
Pierre Webo and Emilio Nsue got the goals for Michael Laudrup’s side - who also missed a penalty - move into the top half of the table only four points off a European slot.
The visitors started well against an Espanyol side who had regained some of their confidence with a comprehensive win over Real Sociedad last weekend. And they could have been ahead within the first 10 minutes, Jordi Amat fouling Webo inside the area but Carlos Kameni denied ‘Chori’ Castro from the penalty spot.
The hosts responded well and went ahead on 18 minutes. As so often this season José Maria Callejón was the creater sliping Álvaro Vázquez through to fire past Dudu Aouate.
Mallorca should have been on level terms before half-time but Nsue’s effort was wrongly ruled out for offside.
The visitors were much the stronger in the second period and were deservedly level on 62 minutes, the veteran Webo claiming the goal that his all round display deserved with a thundering header from Sergio Tejera’s free-kick.
With the game now stretched there were chances at both ends but it was Mallorca who struck the decisive blow with eight minutes remaining. Kameni parried Akihiro’s shot and Nsue was on hand to bury the rebound.
Espanyol remain seven points behind Villarreal and will slip down to sixth if Athletic Bilbao beat Real Zaragaoza in La Romareda tomorrow evening.
FT: Espanyol 1 (Álvaro Vázquez 18) – Mallorca 2 (Webo 62, Nsue 82)
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