La Liga: Barcelona 2-1 Mallorca
La Liga iconic club, Barcelona secured a crucial 2-1 win against Mallorca on Sunday night. They currently need three more points to facilitate a top-four finish in La Liga.
The Blaugranes scored one goal in each half and dominated the match for the most part. Barca exhibited remarkable control fuelled by their desire to qualify for next year's UEFA Champions League. Xavi Hernández's side was fast in possession as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Memphis Depay was the center of attraction.
Memphis' form and high spirit shone through the first half.
Memphis dominated the first half working his way through behind the defense enabling him to net a goal. He converted a long pass from Jordi Alba and found the bottom corner of the net. Aubameyang was the next person to attempt a goal, but Sergio Rico intercepted his header, and Ronald Araujo's subsequent header was dismissed for offside.
Barça quickly needed another goal to fight the Mallorca side, slowly catching up. Nine minutes into the final period, Sergio Busquets found the bottom corner with a left-footed goal. Their gameplay improved, and Memphis was looking to make another hit. However, Ferran made the next delivery with 20 minutes to go. However, he was offside, so the Blaugrana were denied the goal.
Mallorca couldn't topple Barca's defense.
Mallorca resurfaced in the final 10 minutes, and captain Antonio Raíllo scored with his knee as the visitors cheered in glee. Barca defended their game the rest of the night and made sure not to concede more goals to the opponent. Their ferocious and fast-paced deliveries had fans anticipating more plans. However, their attempts were denied due to offside issues, which have not affected their zeal to enter the top-four race. Barça can now reserve a Champions League spot if they beat Real Betis next week.
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