Mallorca look for repeat of last year

Real Mallorca will aim to repeat last season's outing at the Camp Nou when they travel to face Catalan giants Barcelona tonight in a clash that sees both teams chasing a Champions League spot for next season. Two goals from Samuel Eto'o and one from Luis Carreras last year gave Mallorca an historic 3-0 victory over Barcelona. Another victory today and Mallorca will leapfrog Barça for fourth position, and a foothold in the Champions League. Mallorca coach Luis Aragones believes his team are capable of beating Barça, and said on Thursday that a victory would only be “natural”. “A win is vital for both teams so for this reason we have to be intent on committing a minimum of errors,” said Aragones yesterday. Aragones will have to make do without winger Finidi George who is away on international duty with Nigeria. He will be replaced by Alvaro Novo. Mallorca's vital trio of Cameroon striker Eto'o, partner Albert Luque and Argentine midfielder Ariel Ibagaza are all available for Aragones and are expected to be in the starting eleven at Camp Nou. Barça, coached by former Mallorca boss Lorenc Serra Ferrer, are boosted by the return of Brazilian superstar Rivaldo who missed Thursday's UEFA Cup match through international duty. Barça's Dutch midfielder Philip Cocu realises how important the match is to both teams. “The match is a vital one for us. We have to win to keep the pressure on Madrid, while there is also a Champions League spot on the line.