One game fewer, another three points to add the total, and one step closer to the LaLiga title as FC Barcelona have won 1-0 against Mallorca at the Estadi Olímpic. After a frustrating first half with the visitors defending deep and playing on the counter, Olmo broke the deadlock a minute into the second half, his goal proving enough to seal victory.

Coach Hansi Flick made eight changes to the starting eleven with the upcoming Copa del Rey final in mind, including starts for both Ansu Fati and Hector Fort, while Mallorca coach Arrasate also made four changes, with his side also missing some key players through injury and suspension.

Constant pressure but no reward

Barça were straight into the match, but it was Szczęsny who had to punch clear as Mallorca got in behind the blaugranes’ defence down the right early on. However, Mallorca keeper Leo Román would prove to be much busier throughout the match. One such notable action saw the visiting stopper make a double save from Ferran and then Lamine Yamal on 12 minutes.

The pressure on the visitors was ramping up as the half went on, first a Lamine Yamal outside of the boot pass found Olmo’s great run on 26 minutes, but Román saved again. Just three minutes later, a Gavi shot was deflected on to right hand post and Araujo shot wide just afterwards.

Further chances were to come as the blaugranes had no fewer than 21 shots in the first half, eight of which were on target, including a plethora of efforts in the 41st minute. Garcia, Olmo, Fati, and others all went close, but the blaugranes still needed to be careful as Chus Mateo put the ball in the net for Mallorca on the stroke of half time, only to be ruled out for offside.

Olmo grabs vital goal

An even better start to the second half by FC Barcelona saw Garcia pass to Olmo in his typical position between the lines, the attacking midfielder placing the ball into the far left corner out of Román's reach with 46 minutes gone to make it 1-0.

Fati then had a shot saved four minutes later, before the game became more even as both coaches began to make substitutions. Mallorca started to gain ground up the pitch and captain Raillo went close from two dead ball situations, before Larin had a headed chance.

Back came the blaugranes, however, as Lamine Yamal was thwarted on 79 minutes when one on one with Román, who went on to make two more great saves five minutes later, and twelve in total in the match. No further goals, but job done and three points earned.

All in all, another matchday chalked off, with just five left for the blaugranes play, as attention now turns to the big Clásico Copa del Rey final on 26 April (kickoff 10.00pm CEST).

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