Mallorca 0-1 Barcelona...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Barcelona returned to action after a fortnight off with a game against Mallorca away from home.
Xavi made a few changes to the starting lineup after a hectic two weeks and ahead of a crucial month in the season. Raphinha was rested in favour of Ansu Fati, and Pedri was replaced in midfield by Franck Kessie.
Because Sergi Roberto is not yet fully healthy, Hector Bellerin, Jules Kounde, and Ronald Araujo are all sidelined, Alejandro Balde will start right back for the defence. Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo are all out with injuries. Jordi Alba was placed on the right side of the defence, while Gerard Pique and Andreas Christensen began the game in the middle of the field.
Mallorca’s defence has been consistently strong this season, as seen by the fact that it was able to hold Barcelona in check for the opening 45 minutes of the match.
However, the stalemate was broken by an exceptional display of individual brilliance from Robert Lewandowski, which was sufficient to lead the Blaugranes to three points.
Lewandowski scored his ninth goal in seven league matches since his summer transfer from Bayern Munich with a low, curling finish into the bottom corner. The goal was Lewandowski’s first since his move from Bayern Munich.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a spectacular save to prevent Mallorca’s Jaume Costa from tying the score after the latter had a chance to equalise for his team.
Ter Stegen was useful in Barcelona’s victory by making several impressive saves, including ones from Antonio Sanchez and Lee Kang-in.
Barca began the day in second place in the La Liga standings, and they have now won six of their seven games and drawn one of them.
If they win, they will move above Real Madrid, who currently have a perfect record after six matches and will climb back to the top of the standings if they win their match against Osasuna at home on Sunday.
After scoring, Lewandowski had an opportunity to score another goal, but the goalkeeper for the home team, Predrag Rajkovic, was able to save the lob that Lewandowski attempted.
Both Barcelona and Inter Milan entered the Champions League with a record of one win and one loss from their first two matches in the competition. Barcelona’s next match will take place on Tuesday, and it will be an important one against Inter Milan in Italy.
La Liga Table
