BARCELONA — Mallorca's 2-0 win over Valencia to extend its excellent start and move up to second place in the Spanish league was overshadowed Sunday by the postponement of Real Madrid's game at Rayo Vallecano due to a presumed act of sabotage that left Vallecas Stadium insufficiently well lit. The Spanish capital derby had been billed as a must-win match for Madrid, which is 11 points behind leader Barcelona. Instead, electricians tried and failed to repair the damage caused by what Rayo President Raul Martin Presa called “vandals” who had “cut the wiring” on some of the stadiums light towers. “Unfortunately, because of an act of sabotage, we won't be able to stage the game. It is a disgrace,” said Presa, adding that the match will be played Monday if the wiring can be fixed in time. Earlier Sunday, Victor Casadesus scored one goal and set up another to ensure that undefeated Mallorca won its third straight match at Iberostar stadium, lifting it to within four points of Barcelona. Victor put Joaquin Caparros' team ahead eight minutes in when his shot slipped under goalkeeper Diego Alves. The Spanish forward then headed on a long goal kick for Angel Arizmendi to double the host's advantage in the 55th, just seconds after coming on as a substitute. Valencia, which lost its Champions League opener at Bayern Munich midweek, has just one win after five rounds. “Maybe we can stir (the league) up because, I insist, this team is ambitious,” said Caparros. “But we have to keep our feet firmly on the ground because football has many ups and downs and the best way forward is to focus on the short term, like the next game.” Also, Malaga drew 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao to stay unbeaten in third place and level with Mallorca on points. Atletico Madrid won its third straight by downing the visiting Valladolid 2-1, and Levante rallied to a 2-1 home win over Real Sociedad. Defender Diego Godin showed the finishing touch of a striker to give Atletico the lead in the 31st with a cool chip shot, and Radamel Falcao tallied his eighth goal in all competitions for Atletico with a spot kick in the 45th. Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois let Alberto Bueno's shot slip through his hands to gift Valladolid a consolation goal in the 55th. In Valencia, former Newcastle forward Obafemi Martins netted an 86th-minute winner in his debut for Levante to seal its comeback. Milan coach given 1-match ban AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been handed a one-match ban for insulting the referee at the end of Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Udinese, the Italian league announced Monday. “I'm surprised, I didn't do anything,” Allegri said after learning of the ban. Milan is planning an urgent appeal. — Agencies
