FC Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga but one would have to refrain from saying that they did it in style. Despite the scoreline reflecting an incredible 5-1 win for the Catalan club, the performance wasn’t as dominant as it suggests.
A brace from Raphinha along with goals from Frenkie de Jong, Pau Victor, and Ferran Torres helped Hansi Flick’s team get three points in the league after three successive games of dropping them. However, the German coach will be the first one to admit that there is scope for improvement.
The most impressive thing about Barcelona last night is that they managed to put five past their opposition on an occasion when Robert Lewandowski did not play a single minute. In all fairness, they could have put eight or nine past Mallorca had they taken their chances.
The game was in the balance at half-time, with a 1-1 scoreline, and things could have gotten trickier had it not been for the penalty that Lamine Yamal won early into the second half.
Raphinha stepped up to convert the spot-kick confidently, but not before a heartwarming gesture. As highlighted by SPORT, cameras caught the Brazilian offering the opportunity to Yamal, acknowledging the youngster’s contribution in winning the penalty.
However, the 17-year-old humbly declined, deferring to Raphinha in a show of both humility and maturity under pressure. Raphinha, who has been in excellent form, made no mistake from the spot, further adding to his impressive tally this season.
Having just returned from injury, Lamine might have been tempted to take the penalty to get a goal against his name. However, considering the situation of the game and how finely it was in balance, one would have to say that he made a smart decision.
In his current form, Raphinha looks incapable of making a mistake and this was further underlined in the win last night. Ultimately, it was a good night for Barcelona and a good start to December. Let’s wait and see where they go from here.
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MALLORCA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Son Moix on December 03, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 03: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, gestures during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on November 03, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
MALLORCA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 03: Frenkie de Jong (R) of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal with teammates during the LaLiga match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Son Moix on December 03, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain.