Dani Olmo scored just after halftime to give La Liga leaders Barcelona a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mallorca at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday night. The win extends Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to seven points over rivals Real Madrid.
With a crucial Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid looming on Saturday, coach Hansi Flick opted to rest several key players, including Jules Koundé, Raphinha, and Frenkie De Jong.
Star striker Robert Lewandowski was absent entirely due to a hamstring injury that will also rule him out of the cup final and the Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan next week.
Despite the changes, Barcelona dominated possession but were frustrated for large periods by a resilient Mallorca defence and an inspired performance from visiting goalkeeper Leo Román.
The keeper made several stunning saves in the first half, particularly denying teenage winger Lamine Yamal on multiple occasions. Barcelona also hit the post through Gavi, while Ronald Araújo missed a clear chance from a corner. Mallorca had a goal by Mateu Morey that was disallowed for offside just before the break.
Barcelona finally broke the deadlock less than a minute into the second half. Dani Olmo received the ball in a tight space inside the penalty area, shifted quickly onto his left foot, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner past the defenders and Román in the 46th minute.
Mallorca captain Antonio Raíllo nearly equalized shortly after with a header from a free-kick, but his effort went narrowly wide. Barcelona controlled the remainder of the game without adding to their tally.
“Their goalkeeper had a great game,” midfielder Gavi acknowledged. “We had the chance to take advantage and took it… We played a great game overall, and I’m very happy for the players who stepped up.”
The victory lifts Barcelona to 76 points with five games remaining. Real Madrid, currently on 69 points, can reduce the gap back to four points if they win their game in hand away at Getafe on Wednesday.
Mallorca remain seventh with 44 points. Barcelona continue their quest for a potential treble, facing Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final this Saturday before hosting Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg next Wednesday.
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