Manu Morlanes and Johan Mojica
Johan Mojica (right) was furious with Manu Morlanes
La Liga star Johan Mojica bizarrely headbutted and punched one of his team-mates, as the Real Mallorca defender lost his cool during their 5-1 trashing at the hands of Barcelona.
Mallorca suffered their worst defeat of what's so far been an impressive season for the Palma-based side, who occupy the final European place in the La Liga table. A brace from Barca captain Raphinha along with goals from Ferran Torres, Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor did the damage, as Hansi Flick's men earned their first league win in over a month and bounced back from Saturday's embarrassing 2-1 loss at home to Las Palmas.
But things weren't going to plan after Vedat Muriqi equalised just before half-time, setting up a tense second half. Fortunately for the away side, Mallorca left-back Mojica brought down Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal to concede a 56th-minute penalty.
The Colombian knew that his foul could prove to be the turning point in the game, as the red mist descended on him. As Raphinha prepared to take the penalty in the absence of Robert Lewandowski, who was rested, Mojica confronted team-mate Manu Morlanes and furiously headbutted him.
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Morlanes, 25, didn't physically react to the headbutt but instead chose to say something back to Mojica, who'd struggled against Yamal all evening. The 32-year-old, who played alongside Morlanes at previous club Villarreal, responded by punching him in the arm while shouting at him.
The pair then watched Raphinha dispatch the spot-kick and give Barca a 2-1 lead. Post-match, Mallorca boss Joseba Arrasate said regarding the incident: "Mojica and Morlanes share a good rapport; they know each other from their time at Villarreal.
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"Apart from discussing tactical aspects, we will address this because I don't like it. I don't justify it, but they do have a lot of confidence between them. It's not about assigning blame when we all make mistakes. When we lose, we lose as a team, and we all need to pick ourselves up."
It then became a procession for the league leaders, as second-half substitutes De Jong and Victor got in on the act after Raphinha had scored again. Flicked had initially considered resting former Leeds winger Raphinha instead of top scorer Lewandowski, but he changed his mind just hours before kick-off in what ended up being a wise move.
Raphinha scored the penalty to put Barcelona 2-1 up ( Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"I didn't want Lewandowski to be a substitute, but I had a good feeling to rest him," Flick explained. "I also thought about the possibility of resting Raphinha, but he is in very good condition, and you have seen that."
Barcelona are now four points clear of Real Madrid, who crucially have two games in hand. The reigning champions make the trip to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday hoping to secure their fourth league win in a row, having not conceded a goal in La Liga since October's 4-0 humiliation at home to Barca.
Flick and Co. play Real Betis on Saturday, the second of three consecutive away games. They then travel to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League next Wednesday.
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