Barcelona end winless run
Mallorca 1 - 5 Barcelona
Raphinha inspired Barcelona to a resounding win over Mallorca, ending their three-game winless streak in style.
Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football
You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. The footage is from the FC Barcelona YouTube account.
The Brazilian star scored twice in the second half, helping Hansi Flick’s side extend their lead at the top of La Liga to four points over Real Madrid.
With the match finely poised at 1-1 at half-time, Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, calmly converting a penalty after Lamine Yamal was fouled in the box. The teenage sensation then delivered a stunning assist 18 minutes later, using the outside of his foot to set up his captain, who slotted home his 11th league goal of the campaign.
Barcelona sealed the emphatic victory with late goals from substitutes Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor, who scored twice in quick succession to cap off a dominant second half. It was the perfect response to the weekend's disappointing defeat to Las Palmas.
With Robert Lewandowski rested on the bench, Ferran Torres made the most of his opportunity, punishing a defensive error in the 12th minute to give Barça an early lead. However, Mallorca equalised just before the break when Pablo Maffeo’s clever run and pass set up Vedat Muriqi to slot home.
Next, Barcelona head to Real Betis on Saturday, while Mallorca travel to face Celta Vigo.
A former Leeds United player is really shining now.
Raphinha played a huge part in helping Barcelona end their recent winless run. Visit eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com for more reaction from Spain.
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 4 December 2024 at 11:51
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Fan reaction to this win have highlighted the critical role Raphinha played in breaking the team's three-game winless streak. Many have praised his leadership in the absence of Robert Lewandowski, as he netted two goals and demonstrated his growing influence on the team. His performance was seen as a testament to his form. The man himself has described this period as one of his career’s best.
Michael explores the unique nature of Spanish football
Michael is a Sheffield United but recently moved to Spain and made Mallorca his "local team". Despite the heavy defeat, he believes that fans are still positive about how the season is going. Michael told us: "The team are in 6th place, and there's a great chance that the team could finish the season with European qualification. That would be a great achievement.
When speaking about his experience of watching Spanish football, he added: "It's very different. The lack of away fans for most matches is something that has taken time to get used to. I remember when Sheffield United used to host teams like Manchester United, they would always sell out the away end and create a fantastic atmosphere. That doesn't happen in Spain to the same extent. Barcelona didn't bring a massive away following to this match. Apart from that, I have been enjoying another football culture and I am excited to see how Mallorca's season develops."
