Barcelona secures a seven-point lead at the top of LaLiga with victory over Mallorca

Barcelona extended their unbeaten streak in LaLiga to 14 matches (W12, D2) after a narrow 1-0 victory over RCD Mallorca at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, firmly entrenching their position at the summit of the league.

The home side approached this match following a thrilling comeback win over Celta Vigo, where they netted three times in the last half-hour to seal a 4-3 triumph.

That result had placed them five points clear in the title race, and a win here would bolster their lead at the top of the table, albeit with one more match played than some rivals.

Mallorca are keenly chasing a spot in European competition and displayed their characteristic resilience throughout the first half, managing to keep the scores level at halftime.

Nevertheless, Barcelona were persistent in their attack. Coach Hansi Flick made several changes from the side that faced Vigo, resting key players such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, yet the Blaugrana generated a multitude of scoring opportunities.

It was possibly their clinical finishing that was lacking, as Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Ansu Fati – twice – all failed to find the target from promising positions.

Torres, Yamal, and Dani Olmo did manage to test goalkeeper Leo Roman, but he responded well to each effort, while Gavi’s low shot was deflected onto the post by Jose Copete.

Mallorca, for their part, struggled to escape their own half but did have a goal disallowed by Mateo Jaume for a marginal offside decision.

After an uneventful first half in terms of goals, Barcelona needed less than a minute into the second half to find the net.

It was a composed finish from Olmo that finally broke the deadlock, marking his ninth LaLiga goal in just 11 appearances this season.

For a time, Flick’s side appeared capable of doubling their lead, as Roman denied attempts from Fati while Yamal shot high over the bar. However, a close header by Antonio Raíllo that skimmed past the post served as a stark reminder to the home team to remain vigilant.

Ultimately, Mallorca were unable to apply any sustained pressure, allowing Barcelona to manage the remainder of the match and secure a crucial three points.

The Catalans will now briefly shift their focus away from LaLiga as they gear up for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Saturday, while Mallorca will head to face struggling Girona next Monday.

Currently sitting seventh, Mallorca occupies a UEFA Conference League qualification spot but could drop to 11th by the end of the weekend if other results do not favour them.