FC Barcelona crushed RCD Mallorca 5-1, led by Raphinha’s double and Yamal’s brilliance, solidifying their top spot in La Liga.
On December 3, 2024, FC Barcelona faced RCD Mallorca in a La Liga match that ended in a convincing 5-1 victory for Barcelona. The game took place at the Estadi de Son Moix in Palma and was crucial for Barcelona as they aimed to regain their winning form after a few challenging matches.
Match Summary
- Final Score: FC Barcelona 5 – 1 RCD Mallorca
- Goals:
- Ferran Torres (12′)
- Vedat Muriqi (43′)
- Raphinha (56′ penalty, 74′)
- Frenkie de Jong (79′)
- Pau Víctor (84′)
Key Moments
- 12th Minute: Ferran Torres opened the scoring after capitalizing on a Mallorca defensive error.
- 43rd Minute: Vedat Muriqi equalized for Mallorca with a counterattack goal.
- 56th Minute: Raphinha converted a penalty after Lamine Yamal was fouled.
- 74th Minute: Raphinha scored again with a neat finish from Yamal’s cross.
- 79th Minute: Frenkie de Jong added a fourth after another assist from Yamal.
- 84th Minute: Pau Víctor completed the scoring with a calm finish.
First Half:- Barcelona
Barcelona started the match strong, controlling the ball and creating chances. They scored their first goal in the 12th minute when Ferran Torres took advantage of a mistake by Mallorca’s defense. A defender’s failed clearance allowed Torres to score easily by putting the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Even though Barcelona was in control, Mallorca managed to equalize just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Vedat Muriqi scored during a quick counterattack. This goal surprised Barcelona since they had been dominating the game.
Second Half:- Barcelona
In the second half, Barcelona came out determined to reclaim their lead. They were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute when Lamine Yamal was fouled inside the box. Raphinha stepped up to take the penalty and confidently converted it, putting Barcelona ahead 2-1.
Raphinha continued to impress, scoring again in the 74th minute. He tapped in a cross from Yamal after a swift counterattack, showcasing his finishing ability. Frenkie de Jong then added another goal in the 79th minute, finishing from close range after another assist from Yamal.
The scoring was capped off in the 84th minute when Pau Víctor scored his first goal for Barcelona. After receiving a pass from De Jong, he finished with precision, sealing an emphatic victory for his team.
Tactical Analysis
Barcelona employed a high defensive line throughout the match, which allowed them to maintain possession but also left them vulnerable to counterattacks, as seen with Muriqi’s equalizer. Manager Hansi Flick’s tactical setup focused on quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by Mallorca’s defense. The introduction of Lamine Yamal proved pivotal; his creativity and pace added depth to Barcelona’s attack.
Yamal’s performance was particularly notable as he returned from an ankle injury that had sidelined him for nearly a month. His contributions included winning the penalty and providing two assists, underlining his importance to Barcelona’s attacking strategy.
Player Performances:- Barcelona
- Raphinha: The captain scored two goals and converted a penalty, demonstrating leadership and skill throughout the match.
- Ferran Torres: Opened the scoring early on and played a crucial role in Barcelona’s attacking play.
- Lamine Yamal: Returned from injury to assist two goals and win a penalty; his presence revitalized Barcelona’s offense.
- Vedat Muriqi: Despite being on the losing side, he showcased his quality with an equalizing goal that demonstrated his striking ability.
Current League Standings
After this match, FC Barcelona remained at the top of La Liga with 37 points, four points ahead of Real Madrid, who have two games in hand. This win was important for boosting team morale after some recent struggles. Mallorca, despite the loss, is still competitive in sixth place and hopes to qualify for European competitions next season.
The match between Mallorca and Barcelona was not just about winning; it showed how strong Barcelona can be when they play well. With key players like Raphinha stepping up and young talents like Lamine Yamal making big contributions, Barcelona looks ready to continue their fight for La Liga success this season. This victory gives them confidence as they prepare for upcoming matches.
