Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Mallorca at Montjuic on April 21, 2025, continuing their pursuit of the La Liga title. Despite dominating the match with a staggering 40 shots, the Catalans struggled to find the back of the net until Dani Olmo broke the deadlock just after halftime.
The game started with Barcelona applying pressure right from the whistle. Ferran Torres had an early attempt saved by Mallorca's goalkeeper Leo Roman, who would prove to be a key figure throughout the match. Lamine Yamal followed up with a shot that was also blocked, showcasing the home side's intent to dominate.
Barcelona's relentless attack continued as Gavi struck the post with a low shot, and a curling effort from Yamal was once again thwarted by Roman. Ronald Araujo, presented with a golden opportunity, fired wide when he should have scored, leaving the hosts frustrated as they went into halftime without a goal.
However, the breakthrough came less than a minute into the second half. Eric Garcia's precise pass found Olmo inside the penalty area, and the forward coolly tucked away a low finish into the bottom corner, marking his second goal in as many games. Olmo's return to form was a welcome sight for Barcelona fans after his recent injury layoff.
Despite taking the lead, Barcelona struggled to extend their advantage. Yamal had a clear chance on 78 minutes, sent through by another brilliant ball from Pedri, but once again, Roman was equal to the task, demonstrating his impressive shot-stopping ability.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick made several substitutions in the closing stages, introducing Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, and Pau Victor in search of a second goal. However, the Catalans were unable to find the net again, settling for a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
This win was crucial for Barcelona, allowing them to maintain a seven-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table. With only five games remaining, the pressure is mounting on their rivals, who face Getafe in their next match.
Player ratings from the match highlighted the standout performances:
- Wojciech Szczesny: 7.5 - A quiet night for the goalkeeper, who had little to do as Mallorca rarely threatened.
- Eric Garcia: 8.2 - Solid defensively and provided the assist for Olmo's goal, showcasing his importance in the buildup.
- Ronald Araujo: 7.7 - Brought physicality to the defense and was a threat during set-pieces.
- Iñigo Martínez: 7.7 - Outstanding in defense, completing over 95% of his passes.
- Héctor Fort: 7.3 - A rare start for the young left-back, who handled his responsibilities well.
- Gavi: 8 - Impressive in midfield, striking the post and contributing defensively.
- Pedri: 8.9 - The maestro of the match, controlling the tempo and creating numerous chances.
- Lamine Yamal: 8 - A dynamic performance, pulling the strings in attack.
- Dani Olmo: 8.2 - A constant threat and the match-winner, returning to form after injury.
- Ansu Fati: 7 - Showed promise in his second start of the season, though he missed some chances.
- Ferran Torres: 7.5 - Had opportunities but couldn't find the net.
Barcelona's victory against Mallorca not only showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted their resilience in front of goal. With the title race heating up, the Catalans are inching closer to dethroning their bitter rivals, Real Madrid, for the La Liga crown.
As the season approaches its climax, all eyes will be on Barcelona as they prepare for their next challenge, including a significant Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid this Saturday. The excitement continues to build in Catalonia as fans hope for more memorable moments in the coming weeks.
