Arango Punishes Lethargic Real Madrid

Substitute Juan Arango fired in a second half winner as a disappointing Real Madrid side conceded a first leg lead in their Copa Del Rey round of 16 clash. However, they did manage an away goal to leave the Bernabeu leg open.

Both sides went into the game without a few key men, but while Mallorca's substitutes delivered, Madrid's didn't.

Los Merengues were without Fabio Cannavaro and Ruud van Nistelrooy, while Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano bravely rested key men Daniel Guiza and Juan Arango, giving some youngsters a chance.

The likes of Michel Salgado, Fernando Gago and Guti were handed starts by Bernd Schuster, but failed to give the German any reason to rethink his first team choices.

What is more, even the likes of Robinho went missing, while Pepe was responsible for both the goals Real Madrid conceded on what was a very forgettable evening for Schuster. The only shining light was Gonzalo Higuain's sensational strike.

After a fast start to the game Mallorca, young winger forward Oscar Trejo had the first chance, but had his goal-bound effort pushed out by Pepe.

A sloppy back pass from Miguel Torres almost gifted Mallorca an opener goal in the 17th minute, but Dudek was quick off his line to clear the danger.

Raul had the next chance against the run of play, as he tried to score on the turn, but failed to get enough power into his shot. On another night, he would have buried that to punish the hosts.

Seconds later, Mallorca were in the lead, and it was that man Trejo again. Tuni did well to leave Salgado sprawling on the floor, and Dudek was forced to turn the ball behind with a good reaction save for a corner.

It was floated in, not the best of corners, but Pepe afforded Trejo too much space in the box, and the youngster was able to chest the ball down and hit home from close range.

Real Madrid had been stunned, and looked for a response. They got it immediately, as Gonzalo Higuain latched onto a high ball and sent a scorching drive into the top of the net.

However, Madrid failed to take positives from it, and Mallorca were back in charge after the goal. Guti and Gago were struggling for control, but the dominant islanders were unable to find the lead again as Madrid managed to keep the ball out of their own net heading into the break.

Trejo picked up a knock, and was substituted by Juan Arango just before half time, and it was the Venezuelan who would make the telling impact just after the restart.

Pepe failed to clear a loose ball 25 yards out, and Arango latched onto it and sent a low drive past a diving Dudek.

Perhaps Iker Casillas could have reached a little further and tipped it around, but the Polish goalkeeper did keep Madrid in the tie with a superb save after Pepe misread a cross and allowed Arango to fire in on the volley.

Mallorca had deserved their lead, and try as they did, Real Madrid were unable to claw their way back. They did dominate possession in the final 20 minutes, but lacked incisiveness even after Drenthe and Saviola were thrown on. The Argentine came closest, but fluffed his finish in the final minutes.

If anything, it was the islanders who could and should have scored their third, and perhaps been awarded at least one of two penalties, but a 2-1 scoreline leaves it very excitingly poised for the second leg.

Real Madrid still remain favourites to progress, but Bernd Schuster will surely need to play his strongest team next week, and be wary of the fact that Mallorca scored three at the Bernabeu earlier this season.

There will also be some worry at the club after two poor displays, as it was at this very point that Barcelona began to self-destruct last season.