Barcelona secured an impressive 5-1 victory against Mallorca in their recent La Liga fixture on Tuesday, marking a much-needed return to winning ways. The team had previously gone three league matches without a win, allowing their rivals Real Madrid to close the gap in the standings.
It was Raphinha who shone brightest, scoring two goals, while Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong, and Pau Víctor each contributed to the tally. Torres opened the match with a goal in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Mallorca. Although Mallorca briefly equalized before halftime through Vedat Muriqi, Barcelona quickly regained control in the second half. Raphinha netted a penalty and later added another goal, bringing his season total to 11 goals in just 16 league matches.
“This is probably my best moment, but I want to do more,” Raphinha stated after the game, emphasizing the importance of securing the win following a tough stretch. The match showcased Barcelona’s depth, with Lamine Yamal, who assisted Raphinha’s first goal, also facilitating De Jong’s and Víctor’s goals.
Barcelona’s offense has been particularly potent this season, scoring five or more goals in a match six times across all competitions, and averaging nearly three goals per game in La Liga. This strong performance comes after a difficult period marked by two losses and a draw in their previous league outings.
Upcoming, Barcelona is set to face Real Betis, while Mallorca will take on Celta. The match results are a positive sign for Barcelona as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
In the Copa del Rey, surprising results unfolded as fourth-division Barbastro eliminated Espanyol with a 2-0 victory, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of Spanish football.
Overall, Barcelona’s triumphant return to form not only revitalizes their league campaign but also elevates team morale ahead of vital upcoming matches.