Barcelona is set to face RCD Mallorca on April 22, 2025, at 21:30 CEST, as they continue their La Liga title chase. The Catalan giants are riding high on an impressive unbeaten streak of 13 matches this year, consisting of 11 wins and two draws. However, they face a critical challenge with key players sidelined due to injuries.
The match holds significant importance as Barcelona seeks to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the La Liga standings, especially with only six games remaining in the season. The stakes are high, particularly after Real Madrid's late win against Celta Vigo, which kept the pressure firmly on the shoulders of Hansi Flick's men.
Historically, Barcelona has dominated their encounters with Mallorca, winning every meeting in La Liga since 2010. This record adds a layer of confidence for the home side as they prepare to host Mallorca at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
In terms of squad updates, Barcelona has announced a 23-man roster for the match, with notable absences. Star striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been instrumental this season with 40 goals, will miss the game due to a semitendinosus injury sustained during the recent match against Celta de Vigo. His absence leaves a significant gap in the attack, forcing Flick to consider alternatives such as Ferran Torres or Pau Víctor to fill the void.
Additionally, goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is also unavailable for selection. Despite training regularly with the team, he has not yet received medical clearance to return to action. This extends the wait for his comeback, which is crucial as Barcelona gears up for a Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on April 26, 2025.
Other key players missing the match include Alejandro Balde, who is sidelined with a distal injury to the biceps femoris of his left leg, Marc Casadó, who is recovering from a partial rupture of the external lateral ligament of the right knee, and Marc Bernal, who is dealing with a more severe anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Looking at the tactical setup, Hansi Flick is expected to make some changes to the starting lineup. Sport indicates that Ronald Araújo, Héctor Fort, Gavi, and Eric García may feature in the starting XI, replacing Iñigo Martínez, Frenkie de Jong, Gerard Martín, and Fermín López. This shift aims to bolster the squad while keeping an eye on the upcoming Copa del Rey final.
As for Mallorca, they come into this fixture looking to secure vital points in their pursuit of a European spot. Currently sitting seventh in the league, they are just seven points behind Real Betis, with four teams closely trailing them. Coach Jagoba Arrasate will have to navigate his own injury issues, with key players like Vedat Muriqi, Takuma Asano, and Dani Rodriguez unavailable due to injuries, alongside Pablo Maffeo, who is suspended.
Despite these challenges, Mallorca will look to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Barcelona, who has shown vulnerability, conceding three goals in their last match against Celta Vigo. Cyle Larin is expected to lead the line for the visitors, supported by Mateu Morey and possibly Marc Domenech, depending on Arrasate's tactical choices.
With everything on the line, both teams will be eager to make their mark in this encounter. Barcelona aims to solidify their grip on the La Liga title, while Mallorca seeks to enhance their chances for European competition next season. The match promises to be a thrilling contest as the teams clash in what could be a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans will be watching closely to see how Barcelona adapts to the absence of their star players and whether they can continue their impressive run against a determined Mallorca side.
