Having thrown away their lead in La Liga over the past three matchdays, Barcelona took on Mallorca at Son Moix on Tuesday night.
The Catalans fielded their strongest available lineup barring Robert Lewandowski who was replaced by Ferran Torres in the team. Hansi Flick’s objective was clear from the get-go – to help the team back on their feet and take all three points.
Barcelona took the lead on the night through Ferran after the Spaniard pounced on Mallorca’s defensive error but conceded an equaliser in the final minutes of the opening half.
Lamine Yamal won the team a penalty early in the second half and Raphinha converted the chance to hand the team the lead once more. The Brazilian and Spaniard then linked up again to make it 3-1 in the 74th minute before Frenkie de Jong made it four.
Pau Victor added the cherry on the cake late in the night with the team’s fifth, capping off a stunning win.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Mallorca 1-5 Barcelona.
Inaki Pena: 7.5
The goalkeeper was forced out of his box more than once in the first half and was decent in reacting to the threat. Made one big save to keep Barcelona in the game but not much he could do against the eventual equaliser as he was outnumbered.
Alejandro Balde: 7.5
Fit enough to the start after the heavy challenge in the last game, Balde was inspiring on the left with his pace and trickery as he often led the counterattacks for the Blaugrana. His final crosses, however, were still relatively underwhelming.
Inigo Martinez: 8
The veteran was solid in defence and spotless in terms of holding his offside line. Completed the game with six clearances and a key pass.
Pau Cubarsi: 8
The young centre-back was shown a yellow card in just the 2nd minute of the game and was forced to be cautious for the rest of the game.
Did well in holding his offside lines more often than not although he did make the mistake of taking the offside call against Mallorca’s goal for granted. Eventually, however, the goal stood and Cubarsi was left seen as the man convinced it was offside, yet proven wrong.
Jules Kounde: 6.5
The Frenchman was poor against Mallorca and continued to look relatively fatigued and uninterested. Was often late to the half-chances, missed marking his man and forced others including Marc Casado to cover in his department.
Marc Casado: 7
Casado’s return was key. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
Casado’s return brought stability back into the Catalans’ midfield as he formed a wall in the middle of the park to cut out the hosts’ counterattacks.
Did not have a whole lot to do in the buildup as the team did not play much through the middle and instead opted for longer balls.
Pedri: 7.5
The Canary Islander did not have a lot to do in the first half when aerial balls predominated but once again dictated the play for the Catalans throughout the game. Was much more conspicuous in the second half with his creative passing.
Dani Olmo: 9
The attacking midfielder was one of Barcelona’s best players on the night, constantly pushing to get into scoring positions and make runs between the Mallorca defence.
It was Olmo’s run that prompted the mistake that led to Ferran Torres’ opener and he was constantly the target of the team’s long balls over the top. Then put Yamal into space in front of the goal with a stunning defence-splitting pass which eventually led to the penalty.
Lamine Yamal: 9.5
Lamine won the penalty for 2-1 in the second half. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
The youngster was a shadow of his best in the first half, yet managed to thread through some sensational balls both in the air and on the ground. Did decently down the right flank but was poor with his final shot in front of the goal.
Came back into the second period better and won the penalty for the team with a blistering counter-attacking run. Proved that he is well and truly back with a stunning assist with the outside of his boot for Raphinha. Went on to provide the pre-assist for the fourth goal. Simply unplayable.
Raphinha: 9
The captain was omnipresent and integral in Barcelona’s buildup down the left flank, combining well with Alejandro Balde and cutting in to join the attack. Missed a massive 1v1 chance late in the first half that would have restored Barcelona’s lead.
Stepped up for the penalty early in the second period and converted it with confidence to push his side into the lead. Completed his brace in the 74th minute with a smart finish to Yamal’s assist.
Among the goals. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
Ferran Torres: 7
Took Robert Lewandowski’s place in the starting lineup and capitalised on Mallorca’s mistake to give the team a 1-0 lead. However, he was poor in most actions apart from the goal with his first touch negating many chances for Barcelona and letting the team down. Should have had a hat-trick for the chances he enjoyed.
Pau Victor: 8
A positive cameo from the youngster who showed his ability to run into spaces and capitalise. Provided the assist for the team’s fourth goal. Got a goal later in the night when the Dutchman returned the favour.
Frenkie de Jong: 8
Came on and scored the fourth goal for Barcelona. Went on to return the assist to Pau Victor minutes later.