The match was set to be a heated affair after Villarreal had replaced Mallorca in the Europa League, after the Islanders’ recent financial struggles, but both teams seemed to lack the fiery passion in a typical end-of-season encounter.
The first half passed at a slow pace, and the home side, roared on by the crowd, struggled to threaten in a half of few chances, with the exception of a pair of hopeful Emilio Nsue efforts.
Villarreal went closest with in-form striker Gisueppe Rossi striking the post after being fed by Nilmar, while Marcos Senna also went close.
The away side started the second half the better, with Nilmar forcing German Lux, who was in goal for the injured Dudu Aouate, into a strong save low to his right.
Pierre Webo twice livened the home support, forcing Diego Lopez into a highly impressive reflex stop with a header before again testing the goalkeeper with a second headed effort.
Nilmar again tested Lux with a forceful drive from the right side of the box, but the Argentine was equal to the effort, and held onto the ball.
The Brazilian’s was the last clear opportunity in a match which contained very few, and Villarreal remain five points behind Valencia, while Mallorca’s season is over, with a mid-table finish firmly secured.
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Mallorca 0-0 Villarreal: Yellow Submarines rue missed chances to slip further behind Valencia