Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga on Saturday, but it was a far from convincing performance as they labored to a 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Mallorca.
The Catalan giants were without the suspended Robert Lewandowski and the injured Ousmane Dembele, and their attacking threat was blunted as a result. They dominated possession, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Mallorca defended resolutely and had a few chances of their own on the break. In the end, it was a goal from Raphinha in the 79th minute that secured the three points for Barcelona.
The Brazilian winger had been quiet for most of the game, but he popped up with the winning goal at a crucial time. He received a pass from Jordi Alba on the left-hand side of the area and cut inside before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
It was Raphinha’s fifth goal for Barcelona in all competitions this season, and it was a vital one. The victory moved Barcelona back to the top of the La Liga table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.
With just four games remaining in the season, Barcelona’s title hopes are still alive. They face a tough run-in, with matches against Sevilla, Real Betis, and Villarreal still to come.
But if they can maintain their form and avoid any slip-ups, they will have a chance of winning their first La Liga title since 2019.
For Mallorca, the defeat was a blow to their hopes of avoiding relegation. They are now 18th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.
They face a difficult run-in, with matches against Valencia, Real Madrid, and Sevilla still to come. But they will be hoping that they can pull off a great escape and stay in La Liga for another season.
Barcelona labored to a 1-0 victory over Mallorca, but they got the three points that they needed to stay in the title race. Raphinha scored the winning goal, and Barcelona now sit two points clear at the top of the table.
Mallorca’s relegation battle continues, and they will need to improve their form if they are to avoid the drop.
|—|—|—|
