Teenage Lamine Yamal of Barcelona came through with a great late goal on Friday to earn a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home against tenacious Mallorca and close the gap on leaders Real Madrid to just five points.
With the win, the home team moved closer to Real Madrid, who will face struggling Celta Vigo on Sunday, and currently sit in second place with 61 points, two ahead of Girona.
“We found this to be a challenging game because of effectiveness. They performed a fantastic job. We found it difficult,” Barca manager Xavi Hernandez remarked.
“We had good competition and produced opportunities to win by more than one goal. However, the three points are pleasant, and we have triumphed.
With his fourth league goal of the season, Yamal, 16, gave Barca the lead in the 73rd minute with a superb curling shot into the top left-hand corner from the outside of the box.
“I’m overjoyed with the victory and clean sheet. I looked for the shot when they gave me some room, trying to hold the full back,” Yamal said to DAZN.
It was a labor-intensive game. They caused us difficulty. For me, anything that benefits the team is fantastic. It’s always a dream to score a goal in front of our supporters.”
After a VAR check for a challenge on Raphinha in the 24th minute, Ilkay Gundogan had the opportunity to put Barcelona ahead with a penalty. But Predrag Rajkovic, the goalkeeper for Mallorca, dove to his left to stop the German international.
Mallorca, the winners of the Copa del Rey, were formidable on the break and had multiple opportunities, but they were unable to complete. With 27 points, they are in 15th place, eight points above the relegation zone.
After Raphinha was fouled in the 37th minute, Xavi, who had lost midfielders Frenkie De Jong and Pedri to injuries in the previous game, was forced to substitute the Brazilian forward.
The manager clarified, nevertheless, that the right winger is not seriously injured and will be available when they play Napoli on Tuesday in their Champions League last-16 second leg, with the score tied at one.
“Everyone who was in the squad today will be there against Napoli,” he stated. “I always have optimism, no matter what the circumstances. We feel confident after this win. Although it doesn’t appear significant, it is. For Tuesday’s game, we need the fans.”
Editing by Ken Ferris; reporting from Mexico City by Janina Nuno Rios
