Analysis: Player Ratings for Barcelona vs Mallorca
Barcelona faced Mallorca with the urgency of securing three points and correcting its faltering trajectory in recent LaLiga matches, where poor results put its leadership at risk. Hansi Flick made the surprising decision to leave Robert Lewandowski out of the starting lineup for the first time this season, but the rest of the team was solid, welcoming back Lamine Yamal, who had recovered from a sprained ankle. The young winger made a significant impact once again; Barcelona is a different team with him, less attractive and less effective without his presence. After the beating in Son Moix, the Catalans can breathe a little easier.
Mallorca Defensive Disaster
The first goal of the match came from the hand of Ferran Torres, the result of a comical mess between several Mallorca players. The play seemed more typical of a schoolyard game. Mojica, Valjent, Raíllo and Leo Román were close to the ball sent by Olmo. Neither seemed sure what to do, leading to Mojica’s unfortunate clearance bouncing off the Slovak, falling to Ferran Torres, whose shot crossed the goal line after sliding under the goalkeeper’s legs. It was almost laughable.
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Barcelona rebels with a decisive 5-1 victory over Mallorca
Five Matches Without Leaving the Score to Zero
Barcelona are having problems with their offensive game, as Hansi Flick has been warning for days, but they are also not solid defensively. This is an undeniable fact. Iñaki Peña has not kept a clean sheet since the Clásico on October 26. The Alicante goalkeeper has seen the ball end up in his net for five consecutive games. It has been surpassed by Espanyol, Real Sociedad, Celta, Las Palmas and now Mallorca. The defensive strength that used to characterize the Catalan team has diminished due to both individual and collective errors.
Lewandowski on the Bench After 20 Games
Hansi Flick surprised many by leaving Poland international Lewandowski on the bench at Son Moix, with Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Raphinha leading the attack from the start. The rest of the lineup was top-notch. The former Bayern player had started the previous 20 games in LaLiga and the Champions League. The coach, who lamented after the defeat against Las Palmas the problems that some of his players had converting scoring opportunities, was seen talking to his striker during Monday’s training session; He decided to give him a rest to reduce his minutes. It was unexpected to see this decision in a game with so much at stake. He didn’t play a single minute.
Raphinha: How to Take a Penalty
The Catalan captain was in charge of taking the penalty – a foul by Mojica on Lamine Yamal. He hit the ball with such force and precision towards the post that, although Leo Román guessed the direction, he could not stop it. The Brazilian international redeemed himself with this goal from the penalty spot after having missed a clear opportunity during stoppage time in the first half. The former Leeds player took advantage of a long ball that Raíllo misinterpreted, placing himself in front of the island goalkeeper, but the goalkeeper won the battle one by one, blocking his low shot with his right foot.
Lamine Yamal Draws the Penalty and Provides an Exquisite Assist
Without a doubt, he is the most influential player on the Catalan team. There is no debate. Barcelona had not won in the four games where the young winger was not in the starting eleven. Against Mallorca, he returned to the eleven after three games (missing two due to injury and starting on the bench against Las Palmas), and his contribution was crucial. He won the penalty that led to the second goal, and his assist to Raphinha for the third goal was pure magic: delivering the ball with the outside of his left foot. An action that is pure artistic. He also played a role in the fourth and fifth goals.
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