Mallorca defended astutely to hold Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw at San Mamés on matchday one, but they were only able to keep Real Betis, who won 3-0 on the opening weekend - at bay for nine minutes. Rodrigo Battaglia was penalised for a handball in the box with the assistance of VAR - and from the resulting spot-kick, Iglesias placed the ball down the centre of Predrag Rajković’s goal.
Rather than setting up an exciting 45 minutes, Iglesias’ penalty proved to be only one of two shots on target from either side in a cagey first half, although William Carvalho spurned a glorious opportunity to double Betis’ advantage just before HT, nodding the ball past the post from six-yards out.
Mallorca emerged from the break a more determined force, as they began to threaten the Betis defence in the opening stages of the second period. They were rewarded for their improved performance in the 57th minute when Lee Kang-in’s lofted delivery to the back post was powerfully headed home by Vedat Muriqi, registering Mallorca’s first goal of the new season.
With momentum in their favour, Los Piratas looked well placed to begin the search for a winner, but the wind was taken out of their sails when the visitors were awarded their second penalty of the evening. Battaglia was once again the culprit, fouling Nabil Fekir to present Iglesias with the chance to restore Betis’ lead. The forward kept his cool to fire the ball into the top corner, ensuring he begins the season with three goals in two games.
Mallorca did their utmost to find another leveller, with Lee smashing the crossbar with a superb free-kick before Rui Silva denied Jaume Costa from the resulting rebound, but the visitors held onto their lead to give Manuel Pellegrini his 15th win in 21 LL meetings with Mallorca.
Flashcore Man of the Match: Borja Iglesias (Real Betis)
