Teenager Lamine Yamal’s well-placed strike secured a 1-0 victory for Barcelona against Mallorca at home on Friday, propelling the reigning Spanish league champions into second place.
Yamal’s goal in the 73rd minute, a sublime shot from just inside the corner of the area, rescued a Barcelona side that had otherwise struggled to break through.
At just 16 years old, Yamal has already notched up six goals across all competitions in his debut full season with Barcelona, marking several milestones for his age, including being the youngest player to debut and score in the Spanish league, score for Spain, and start in the Champions League.
“I was trying to keep their left back occupied, but since they gave the space I went for my shot,” Yamal commented on his goal. “Now we have to think about the Champions League, where we face one of the most important games of the season.”
Coach Xavi Hernández opted to keep Robert Lewandowski on the bench until the final half-hour, resting him ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League match against Napoli. Their first-leg encounter in Italy ended 1-1.
With the win, Barcelona moved two points clear of Girona before its clash against Osasuna on Saturday. Meanwhile, league leaders Real Madrid sit five points ahead of Barcelona before their fixture against Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Another standout performer for Barcelona was 17-year-old center-back Pau Curbasí, who impressed with his defensive prowess and distribution.
Mallorca’s goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic put on a stellar display, keeping his team in the game with crucial saves, including a penalty stop from İlkay Gündoğan in the first half.
Raphinha, who won the penalty, was substituted off in the first half due to an apparent leg injury sustained from the challenge that led to the penalty. However, Xavi expressed optimism about Raphinha’s fitness for the upcoming Napoli clash.
Barcelona was without key midfielders Pedri González and Frenkie de Jong, who were sidelined with injuries sustained in the previous round’s draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Despite the loss, Mallorca, who are set to face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final next month, remain in 15th place in the league standings.
