Mallorca 1 : 2 Valencia - Hernandez double downs Islanders

Posted Saturday, March 05, 2011 by PA

Pablo Hernandez struck both goals as Valencia came from behind to win 2-1 against Real Mallorca to ensure they would finish the weekend still in third place in the standings.

Mallorca took a 31st-minute lead through an Ivan Ramis penalty but Valencia needed just two minutes to get back on level terms thanks to Pablo, who then struck the winning goal 11 minutes into the second half.

The victory means Valencia, who lost 1-0 at home to Barcelona on Wednesday, provisionally moved four points clear of fourth-placed Villarreal, who face a tough game at Atletico Madrid later this evening.

Mallorca, meanwhile, missed the chance to climb to within one point of the European places after slumping to their third defeat in four games.

Michael Laudrup's men had claimed an impressive away win over fifth-placed Espanyol in midweek to revive their European chances, but they could not build on that tonight despite taking the lead.

After seeing Valencia go close with early efforts from Juan Mata and Jonas Oliveira, Mallorca were given the chance to go ahead when they were awarded a penalty after Ricardo Costa was adjudged to have fouled Pierre Webo in the area.

Ramis despatched the resulting spot-kick with aplomb, firing a rising shot past Vicente Guaita and into the top corner of the net.

Mallorca's advantage did not last long however, as Valencia equalised soon after with a well-worked goal.

Jonas' chip to the edge of the area saw Aritz Aduriz cushion a header down to Pablo, who drilled a first-time shot past Dudu Aouate into the bottom corner.

Mallorca had a chance to get back in front at the start of the second half but Guaita did well to parry Emilio Nsue's header behind for a corner.

Nine minutes after that the home side found themselves trailing. Ever Banega picked out Pablo's run into the area and the Valencia winger steered his shot past Aouate at his near post for his second in the game.

That proved to be the match-winning strike, although Mallorca came close to netting a late equaliser when Guaita denied Akihiro Ienaga.