Barcelona’s Dani Olmo scored inside the primary minute of the second half to earn a hard-fought 1-0 dwelling win in opposition to Mallorca on Tuesday, extending their lead over Real Madrid on the high of the desk to seven factors with 5 video games to go.
Barca dominated proceedings regardless of coach Hansi Flick deciding to relaxation a number of key starters forward of Saturday’s Copa del Rey ultimate in opposition to rivals Real, however Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman placed on a present between the posts to maintain them at bay.
Barca lastly managed to interrupt the impasse shortly after the interval because of a wonderful piece of particular person ability from Olmo, who took the ball in a good area contained in the field and rapidly fired a left-foot shot into the underside nook earlier than Mallorca’s defenders may problem him.
The win lifted Barca to 76 factors on the high of the LaLiga standings with Real, who go to Getafe on Wednesday, seven factors adrift with a recreation in hand.
Mallorca are seventh, in a Europa League qualification spot, on 44 factors.
“Their goalkeeper had a great game,” Barcelona midfielder Gavi instructed Movistar Plus.
“We had the prospect to take benefit and took it. It’s soccer. We insisted, labored onerous, stored going and the aim lastly got here.
“We played a great game overall and I’m very happy for the players who stepped up.”
Missing LaLiga top-scorer Robert Lewandowski, who will probably be sidelined for the Spanish Cup ultimate and the primary leg of their Champions League semi-final in opposition to Inter Milan subsequent week with a leg muscle harm, Flick additionally began with Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Pau Cubarsi and Frenkie De Jong on the bench.
Barca did not miss a beat, nonetheless, pushing Mallorca again from the beginning.
Teenager Lamine Yamal was a relentless menace however was denied a number of instances by an impressed Roman who made three beautiful saves to stop the 17-year-old Spain winger giving the house aspect the lead.
Ferran Torres and Eric Garcia additionally had efforts from close-range denied whereas Gavi’s deflected strike from the sting of the field got here off the submit within the twenty eighth minute, with Ronald Araujo lacking a sitter from shut vary one minute later, firing huge from a nook.
Mallorca created a number of possibilities on the counter with Mateu Morey having a aim dominated out for an offside within the buildup proper earlier than the break.
After Olmo lastly gave Barca a deserved lead within the forty sixth minute, Mallorca’s captain Antonio Raillo nearly headed dwelling the equaliser from a free kick within the fifty fifth minute, however his effort went simply huge.
After Saturday’s Clasico in Seville, treble chasing Barca will face last-placed Valladolid earlier than internet hosting Real in a LaLiga conflict that might resolve the title on May 11.
Source: www.anews.com.tr