Mallorca1 - 5Barcelona

After taking just one point from their last three La Liga matches, Barcelona knew they needed to produce a response in their away clash against Mallorca.

Hansi Flick was vindicated in his decision to start Ferran Torres, with the Spain international pouncing on a defensive mix-up to open the scoring in the 12th minute.

The visitors looked set to take a narrow lead into the break until Vedat Muriqi netted a 42nd-minute equaliser to send the two sides into the break on level terms.

However, Raphinha managed to restore Barcelona's advantage before the hour mark, keeping his composure from the penalty spot to fire past Leo Roman after Lamine Yamal had been brought down by Johan Mojica in the box.

Yamal, who was making his first start since returning from injury, went on to provide the assist for Raphinha to grab his second and Barcelona's third, denting Mallorca's hopes of salvaging a positive result.

Barcelona then dashed any hopes of Mallorca mounting a fightback, with Frenkie De Jong and Pau Victor coming off the bench to add their name to the scoresheet, wrapping up their side's first league victory in a month.

The win has moved the Blaugrana four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who will look to respond in Wednesday's away game against Athletic Bilbao.

As for Mallorca, they remain in sixth position after suffering their third home defeat of the league season.

MALLORCA VS. BARCELONA HIGHLIGHTS

Torres goal vs. Mallorca (12th min, Mallorca 0-1 Barcelona)

Ferran Torres benefits from a mix-up in the Mallorca defence to open the scoring at Son Moix. Instead of waiting for his goalkeeper to collect the ball, Mojica opts to clear the ball away, only to fire it straight at Martin Valjent. The ball kindly deflected into Torres' path, allowing him to squeeze home his second La Liga goal of the season.

Muriqi goalvs. Barcelona (43rd min, Mallorca 1-1 Barcelona)

Mallorca are level. Samu Costa allows Sergi Darder's through ball to run to Pablo Maffeo, who drives into the box before laying the ball off for Muriqi for a simple finish.

Raphinha goalvs. Barcelona (56rd min, Mallorca 1-2 Barcelona)

Barcelona restore their lead through the in-form Raphinha. The referee points to the penalty spot after Mojica fouls Yamal in the box. Raphinha assumes responsibility to drive his clinical spot-kick in the bottom corner to score his 10th goal of the season.

Raphinha goalvs. Barcelona (75th min, Mallorca 1-3 Barcelona)

Raphinha now has his 11th league goal of the campaign. Yamal produces an exquisite cross with the outside of his left foot to pick out the run of Raphinha, who opens his body up to steer the ball past Roman.

De Jong goal vs. Mallorca (80th min, Mallorca 1-4 Barcelona)

De Jong gets in on the act. The substitute pounces on a loose ball in the box to guide a first-time finish past the helpless Mallorca goalkeeper.

Victory goal vs. Mallorca (84th min, Mallorca 1-5 Barcelona)

Victory piles the misery on Mallorca. The 23-year-old comes off the bench to score his second goal of the season, turning the ball in from close range after being teed up by fellow substitute De Jong.

MAN OF THE MATCH - RAPHINHA

Raphinha produced another impressive performance as he continues to enjoy his most successful season as a Barcelona player.

The Brazil international showcased his clinical nature in front of goal to score a brace in the commanding victory, meaning he now scored six goals in his last six league appearances.

Raphinha also created four chances in the contest, demonstrating that he is a creator as well as a goal scorer.

MALLORCA VS. BARCELONA MATCH STATS

Possession: Mallorca 40%-60% Barcelona

Shots: Mallorca 6-20 Barcelona

Shots on target: Mallorca 1-9 Barcelona

Corners: Mallorca 2-5 Barcelona

Fouls: Mallorca 11-0 Barcelona

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

After enjoying a successful trip to Mallorca, the Blaugrana will now turn their focus to Saturday's tricky away clash against Real Betis.

Meanwhile, Jagoba Arrasate's side will have to pick themselves up for Friday's trip to Balaidos for a meeting with Celta Vigo.

Written by

Ben Sully