Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Valuable Goal Against Mallorca Puts Barcelona Further Ahead of Real Madrid

Thanks to a crucial goal from Dani Olmo, Barcelona extended their lead over direct rivals Real Madrid to seven points with a 1–0 win over visitors Real Mallorca in the opening match of Matchweek 33 of the Spanish La Liga.

Olmo scored his ninth league goal of the season early in the second half after receiving a pass from Eric García inside the box. Surrounded by five defenders, he fired a left-footed shot into the narrow near post past goalkeeper Leo Román (47).

Despite the absence of their injured star and current La Liga top scorer, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (25 goals), Barcelona raised their tally to 76 points at the top of the table, seven clear of Real Madrid, who are set to play away to Getafe later tonight.

Meanwhile, Mallorca, who suffered their 13th loss of the season, remain stuck on 44 points in seventh place — temporarily.

Missed Chances and a Crucial Goal

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick rested several key players in preparation for the upcoming “Clásico” in the Spanish Cup final later this week. Ansu Fati started for the first time since last October, Héctor Fort was deployed at left back, and Ferran Torres led the line as the central striker.

Barça squandered several chances, with goalkeeper Leo Román putting on an impressive display, particularly denying Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Fati (12’, 26’, 43’), while Gavi’s shot struck the post (28’).

Barcelona ended the first half with 24 attempts compared to none from Mallorca, dominating possession with 80 percent, before Olmo finally broke through with his goal. Román finished the match having saved more than ten shots.

Valuable Point for Valencia

Elsewhere, Valencia snatched a valuable point from visitors Espanyol with a 1–1 draw.

Espanyol took the lead through Javi Puado, who slotted in a free-kick rebound (40), but Javi Guerra equalized in the second half after a pass from Luis Rioja (57).

The “Bats” halted Espanyol’s three-game winning streak, during which they had defeated Rayo Vallecano 4–0, Celta Vigo 2–0, and Getafe 1–0.

Valencia, who have now drawn back-to-back matches after a 1–1 result against Rayo in the last round, remain unbeaten in their last eight league fixtures, with four wins and four draws. Their last defeat came in Matchweek 25 against Atlético Madrid (0–3).

Espanyol, who still have a game in hand from Matchweek 26 against Villarreal, now sit on 39 points in 13th place, level with 14th-placed Valencia, pending the remaining matches of this round, which continue today with Athletic Bilbao vs. Las Palmas, Celta Vigo vs. Villarreal, and Alavés vs. Real Sociedad.

The round concludes tomorrow, Thursday, with matches between Osasuna and Sevilla, Leganés and Girona, Atlético Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, and Real Betis and Valladolid.