Lamine Yamal scored the great goal that gave coach Xavi’s team the victory
Barcelona suffered, but beat Mallorca 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, in a game valid for the 28th round of La Liga. The Catalan club’s goal was scored by Lamine Yamal, 28 minutes into the second half.
Photo: Lance!
The game was marked by an injury to Brazilian Raphinha, who left the field in the 37th minute after suffering a touch on his left foot. The player is doubtful for the return game between Barcelona and Napoli, in the round of 16 of the Champions League, scheduled for Tuesday (12).
⚽ HOW WAS THE MATCH?
Although Barcelona controlled possession from the start of the game, Mallorca knew how to defend themselves well, with a line of five posted at the edge of the area. Xavi’s team exchanged passes very slowly and was not very aggressive to really bother the opposing defense.
However, it was the Catalan club that had the first big opportunity of the game, in the 24th minute, on a penalty conceded by Raphinha. Gundogan took responsibility for the charge, but ended up telegraphing the shot, which was saved by goalkeeper Rajkovic, and wasted the chance to open the scoring.
Fifteen minutes after Gundogan’s charge, Raphinha ended up being substituted with pain in his foot, giving way to Fermín López.
The goal of the game only came in the second half, through the feet of Lamine Yamal, who cut through a defender in the penalty area on the left side and hit it into the corner of the Mallorca goalkeeper, with no chance of defense.
✅ WHAT’S NEXT?
Barcelona returns to the field on Tuesday (12), at 5pm (Brasília time), to face Napoli in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. In the first game, played in Italy, Barça drew 1-1. To advance to the quarter-finals of the competition, Xavi’s team needs to win the match by any score. Defeat eliminates the Spanish club, while a draw takes the decision of the place to extra time and, if equality persists, to a penalty shootout.
+The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Terra Newsletter. Click here!