Dani Olmo’s solitary goal secured a narrow 1-0 win for Barcelona over Mallorca on Tuesday night, moving them seven points clear at the top of La Liga and ramping up the pressure on Real Madrid.
The Spain international finished clinically early in the second half after a slick passing move, helping Hansi Flick’s men maintain their title charge ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Real Madrid at Getafe.
Despite the slim scoreline, Barcelona dominated proceedings at the Olympic Stadium. Mallorca’s goalkeeper, Leo Roman, delivered an inspired performance, producing a string of outstanding saves to keep the margin down.
Flick, with one eye on Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against fierce rivals Real Madrid, opted to rotate his squad.
The head coach gave former wonderkid Ansu Fati his first start since October, while Héctor Fort slotted in at left-back. Ferran Torres led the line in the absence of injured talisman Robert Lewandowski.
The hosts were frustrated not to be ahead at half-time, having crafted numerous chances.
Gavi struck the post with a deflected effort, Torres blazed over after a clever set-up by Olmo, and Fati twice came close but failed to convert. Roman also denied 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal with a sharp save.
After the break, Barcelona finally made their pressure count. Olmo found the bottom corner after a flowing sequence of passes to break the deadlock.
Fati nearly added a second, only for Roman to deny him again. The Mallorca keeper continued to shine, pulling off crucial stops to frustrate Raphinha, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez, the latter being denied twice, including a reflex save to claw away a deflected effort that seemed destined for the top corner.
Roman, making his first league appearance of the year for Mallorca, finished the night with 10 saves, drawing plaudits despite his side leaving empty-handed.
Mallorca had a late penalty appeal waved away in stoppage time when Eric Garcia grappled with Abdon Prats in the area, but the referee was unmoved.
Barcelona now have five league games remaining, with the highlight being a potentially decisive El Clasico against Real Madrid on 11 May.
