A a whole lot-weakened Barcelona secured an essential 1-0 win over Mallorca on Sunday night thanks to a first-half of header from Luuk de Jong.
Barça got here into the game without a bunch of first group gamers because of injury and Covid-19, which intended Oscar Mingueza and Ronaldo Araujo crammed in at full-returned and youngsters Ilias Akhomach and Ferran Jutgla have been once more exceeded unlikely begins.
The first half of become all about any other stand-in, although: De Jong.
His day got off to a terrible start whilst his first shot went out for a throw-in, however the Dutchman stepped forward markedly as things improved. First, at complete stretched, he toe-poked an attempt onto the post and minutes later his bicycle kick cannoned off the bar.
Finally, at the stroke of half-time he did get his aim, rising excessive on the returned put up to nod domestic Mingueza's deep pass. It became no less than Barça deserved with their hosts slightly mustering a shot at some point of the first duration.
The visitors continued to dominate within the 2d half of but handiest ever appeared like scoring after they pumped the ball into the box. First Ronald Araujo did not make touch with a loose header and then Gerard Pique had a comparable attempt bundled away.
Meanwhile, Mallorca struggled to break down Xavi's aspect. However, they did have one huge scare inside the demise embers with Marc-Andre ter Stegen having to provide a exquisite, reflex prevent to preserve Jaume Costa's volley out.
The victory leaves Barça fifth in La Liga, simply one factor shy of fourth-positioned Atletico Madrid but still 15 shy of leaders Real.
Here are your player ratings...
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - 7/10 - Sprayed a few quality passes. His save on the dying earned his facet the points. Oscar Mingueza (RB) - 7/10 - A very powerful display. He changed into spotless defensively and carved out a few probabilities along with his crossing. Got an help too. Gerard Pique (CB) - eight/10 - Was bizarrely taking free kicks at some point of the game. What a wild begin to 2022. He defended beautifully however become not in reality examined. Passing become perfect. Eric Garcia (CB) - 5/10 - Attracted the ire of his manager with some questionable distribution. Positioning was negative as well. Ronald Araujo (LB) - 6/10 - DId not pass over a beat despite being fielded in an unusual function.
