Villarreal 3 - Mallorca 0

Villarreal: Viera; Javi Venta, Gonzalo Rodríguez, Quique Alvarez, Sorín; Josico (César Arzo 28'), Tacchinardi; Cazorla, Riquelme (Figueroa 83'), José Marí (Roger 75'); Diego Forlán. 4-2-3-1.
Mallorca: Prats; David Cortés, Iuliano, Tuzzio (Okubo 59'), Fernando Navarro; Borja, Doni; Jonas Gutiérrez, Arango, Tuni (Pereyra 69'); Víctor (Yordi 63'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Villarreal: Quique Alvarez, Tacchinardi, Cazorla, Riquelme, Diego Forlán for César Arzo, Arruabarrena, Marcos Senna, Roger, Figueroa / Mallorca: No change.

Goals:
1-0. 13. Riquelme. Corner from left which bounced past everyone in to net.
2-0. 32. José Marí. Got on the end of Riquelme cross to head over Prats.
3-0. 45. Diego Forlán. Beat Prats at second attempt after first effort saved.

Villarreal's bad start to the season seems to be behind them, and they are now eighth after a 3-0 win over struggling Mallorca. All the goals came in the first half, with Riquelme opening the scoring directly from an inswinging corner in the first quarter of an hour. The visitors fought back, Arango hitting the post and having another effort cleared off the line with Viera beaten. And the local keeper also had to be at his best to keep out another volley from Doni.

Pellegrini's side went further ahead though with just over thirty minutes gone, Riquelme's bouncing cross finding José Marí for him to head the ball over Prats. And on the stroke of half time Riquelme found Diego Forlán for him to make it three at the second attempt after his first effort came back off the woodwork.

With matches coming up midweek the locals sat back to defend their lead after the restart, and neither side really troubled the opposing keeper in the second 45 minutes. The defeat leaves Héctor Cúper's side firmly anchored to the bottom of the table, and the manager needs a result quickly if he is to be in charge for much longer.