Sun shines on Real Mallorca

Real Mallorca were gifted three points on Sunday after Malaga goalkeeper Rafa fumbled an Albert Luque cross to score a spectacularly silly own-goal and leave his team with a 1-0 defeat. In fairness to the 'keeper, playing his first league game of the season, the sun played a major part in the goal. After a tight first half-hour in which Malaga had most of the play, Luque broke free down the left-hand side and swung in a harmless looking cross. With no Mallorca players remotely near the area, Rafa proceeded to lose sight of the ball in the harsh sun, fumbled and then palmed it into his own net for the only goal of the match. Malaga came close a number of times throughout the match, but an extremely solid Mallorca defence kept the talented striking duo of Dario Silva and Dely Valdes at bay. Mallorca coach Luis Aragones was satisfied with his team's performance, although admitted the goal had been a fluke. “After a very hard month we finally got the luck that we deserved,” said the 62 year-old. “The match was pretty even, and although at times we were very open we managed to keep it together at the back. “I like my teams to play further up the field and keep the pressure on, but with this type of game the most important thing is to win and to get the three points.” Mallorca midfielder Marcos Martín collected his fifth yellow card during the match and will miss this weekend's home clash with Athletic Bilbao. Elsewhere, Barcelona missed their chance to move closer to Real Madrid after losing 4-0 to Racing. Madrid lost 1-0 to Athletic on Saturday. Valencia stay in the hunt for a Champions League place after thumping Numancia 3-0.