Barcelona returned to winning form in the Spanish league with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Mallorca, showcasing a strong performance that was anchored by Raphinha’s two goals. This win was vital for Barcelona, which had recently struggled, failing to secure a victory in three consecutive league matches, allowing rivals Real Madrid to close the gap at the top of the table.
Ferran Torres initiated the scoring for Barcelona in the 12th minute after a defensive mishap from Mallorca provided him with a clear shot. Despite Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi equalizing just before halftime with a breakaway goal—marking their only shot on target—Barcelona quickly regained control of the match. Raphinha converted a penalty in the 56th minute and followed up with a second goal in the 74th minute, courtesy of an assist from Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha, who now has 11 goals in just 16 league appearances this season, expressed his satisfaction with the performance but highlighted his desire for continued improvement. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Pau Víctor also contributed to the scoreline, with Yamal providing crucial assists, indicating the depth and talent within the team.
Throughout this season, Barcelona has demonstrated remarkable attacking prowess, having scored five or more goals in a match six times across all competitions, and outscoring their league opponents 48-17.
The match against Mallorca was rescheduled as both teams prepare for the upcoming Spanish Super Cup in January. Barcelona’s next challenge will be against Real Betis on Saturday, while Mallorca, currently sitting in sixth place, will take on Celta on Friday.
In Copa del Rey action, notable results included fourth-division club Barbastro’s surprising 2-0 win over top-flight Espanyol, and Celta Vigo’s impressive 7-0 victory over Salamanca.
This victory not only boosts Barcelona’s morale but also reinforces their competitive spirit as they head into the crucial latter stages of the season. The team’s ability to leverage their young talent, like Yamal, alongside established players, signals a promising future for the club.