Baggies defeated in Balearic Islands capital
ALBION were beaten 1-0 by Real Mallorca in the final pre-season friendly before the 2016/17 Premier League campaign begins at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Baggies were unable to find an equaliser despite creating a number of clear-cut opportunities at the Iberostar Stadium in Palma.
Spanish striker Brandon put the hosts in front during the closing moments of what had been an uneventful opening 45 minutes, firing home Thierry Moutinho’s left-flank cross from ten yards.
Ben Foster kept the Baggies in it with two fine saves to deny Juan Dominguez – before a late onslaught saw Tony Pulis’ men create a number of good chances.
Saido Berahino shot just wide from 15 yards with eleven minutes remaining and James Morrison tapped the ball into the Mallorca net moments later – but the assistant referee’s flag had already been raised for offside.
Jonas Olsson’s header produced a brilliant one-handed save from keeper Santamaria as the Baggies piled on the pressure in added time, with Foster also joining the Albion attack.
And the Baggies stopper so nearly scored a goal he could have dined out on for a lifetime – but his spectacular half-volley from Gardner’s ball in was palmed over by his opposite number.
ALBION: Foster; Dawson, McAuley (Chester 71), Evans, Wilson (Olsson 65); Yacob (Lambert 65); Phillips (Leko 65), Fletcher, Field (Morrison 55), McClean (Gardner 55); Rondon (Berahino 55)
Subs not used: Myhill; McManaman.