FC Barcelona has successfully completed its dress rehearsal for the cup final against Real Madrid. Despite numerous chances, the Catalans secured a well-deserved home win against Mallorca.
Hansi Flick’s personnel decisions ahead of the game against Mallorca were eagerly awaited in Barcelona. After all, it wasn’t just top striker Lewandowski who was injured in the recent spectacular 4-3 comeback against Celta Vigo. With Ansu Fati, Fort and Ferran Torres, who was substituted, three professionals were conspicuous in their dissatisfaction with their time on the bench.
There were no reasons for this against the seventh-placed team. While Ferran Torres started again from the beginning, Ansu Fati and Fort were two of seven new players in a starting eleven that did not really look well-rehearsed on paper. However, there was little sign of a lack of routine. Szczesny had to make two saves and conceded the supposed 0-1 shortly before half-time (45). However, former Dortmund player Morey was offside, so the visitors went into the break without a shot on goal.
It was a completely different story for the Blaugrana: especially from the 25th minute onwards, the Catalans put on a real fireworks display, racking up 24 shots by the half-time whistle and creating chances every minute, some of which looked like a shooting practice (41). But the ball just wouldn’t go in. Not even when Dani Olmo (26th minute), Araujo (39th minute) and Gavi, whose shot was deflected off the post (29th minute), had the best chances.
Barca’s lightning start after the break
After the break, the spell that had been hanging over Barca was broken within seconds. Eric set up Dani Olmo, who finished precisely with his left foot to celebrate the long-overdue 1-0 lead (46′). Mallorca almost responded in the 55th minute when captain Raillo headed just wide of the target. It was a sign that the visitors were becoming more active.
However, the league leaders continued to dominate the game, but for a long time lacked the offensive consistency they had shown in the first half. It was a tricky game given the narrow lead, and Flick’s players only looked to seal the win in the final quarter of an hour. However, Leo, who was in fine form, once again thwarted their plans. First, he denied Lamine Yamal from close range (79′), before denying Martin, Eric, and Fermin in quick succession (84′).
Final dress rehearsal a success
European contenders Mallorca were thus able to hope for a late point until the four minutes of added time, partly because Fermin was once again unable to get past Leo (90+2). However, this was the Catalans’ last chance, and the favorites did not have to worry about Mallorca again. The game ended without any further chances for Mallorca.
FC Barcelona thus manages to keep Real Madrid at bay. The Madrid side can now close the gap on the leaders to a maximum of four points before the two sides meet in a direct duel on Saturday evening. However, this is not about points in the title race. Instead, the arch-rivals will meet in the Copa del Rey final in Seville.
