Barcelona’s crucial trip to Mallorca: Can Hansi Flick’s side end their slump?
Tonight, Barcelona face a critical La Liga clash as they travel to Palma to take on Mallorca at the Son Moix Stadium. After three consecutive league matches without a win, the Catalans need a win.
The Blaugrana’s season has taken a worrying turn. What looked like a runaway campaign just weeks ago marked by spectacular wins over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid has unravelled into a string of disappointing results. A draw against Celta Vigo, a narrow loss to Real Sociedad, and the shocking 2-1 home defeat to Las Palmas have whittled their once nine-point lead over Real Madrid down to a precarious single point. Hansi Flick’s dream start in Catalonia appears well and truly over.
While injuries to key players such as Lamine Yamal have played a part, the team’s performances have lacked the sharpness and cohesion that defined their early season dominance. Flick himself has acknowledged a mental slump, urging his players to rediscover the fighting spirit necessary for success.
A revitalised Mallorca stand in their way
Mallorca, under new manager Jagoba Arrasate, have been one of La Liga’s surprise packages this season. Sitting sixth in the table, they have been transformed from last season’s defensively conservative outfit under Javier Aguirre into a proactive, balanced side capable of troubling any opponent.
At home, Mallorca have been particularly formidable. They’ve conceded just five goals at Son Moix and kept clean sheets in four of their eight matches. With Vedat Muriqi returning from suspension to lead the line, the Islanders are poised to exploit Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly their high line, which has been exposed repeatedly in recent weeks.
Team news: returns and absences
Barcelona will welcome back Marc Casado, Alejandro Balde, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal, who could all be in play for a starting position. Balde’s pace and attacking drive down the left flank will be crucial in breaking down Mallorca’s compact defence, while Olmo’s creativity and movement in the No. 10 role could be the spark Flick’s side desperately need.
Marc Casadó also returns from suspension and is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Pedri. However, the absences of defensive stalwarts Araújo and Andreas Christensen, coupled with ter Stegen’s ongoing unavailability, still leave Barcelona vulnerable at the back.
The Lamine Yamal factor
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has emerged as Barcelona’s most consistent attacking threat. He leads La Liga in assists (7) and has been instrumental in the team’s best performances this season. However, his heavy workload is a concern, especially as the Blaugrana have failed to win any of the four league matches he hasn’t started. He is however expected to start tonight, which could be a huge boost for Barca’s chances.
Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate even heaped praise on the teenager in his pre-match press conference, calling him a “game-changer” whose impact belies his youth. Yamal’s ability to unlock defences and his chemistry with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha will be pivotal tonight.
Mallorca’s key men
For Mallorca, Muriqi’s return is also a game-changer. The towering Kosovan striker offers a physical presence that can unsettle Barcelona’s defence, while his partnership with Cyle Larin could be decisive in exploiting the visitors’ high defensive line. Meanwhile, Sergi Darder and Robert Navarro provide creativity and flair in midfield, ensuring Mallorca have multiple avenues to threaten.
Tactics and expectations
Barcelona will likely adopt their customary high-pressing, possession-heavy approach, with Flick urging his players to recapture the intensity that was their hallmark earlier in the season. Mallorca, on the other hand, are expected to set up in a 4-4-2 formation, blending defensive solidity with quick transitions to test Barcelona on the break.
The key battle will be in midfield. If Pedri and Olmo can dictate the tempo, Barcelona may find the spaces they need to break down Mallorca. Conversely, if Morlanes and Samu Costa can disrupt their rhythm, the Islanders will fancy their chances of springing a surprise.
What’s at stake?
For Barcelona, anything less than three points could see them relinquish top spot to Real Madrid, who have a game in hand. With Atletico Madrid also lurking just two points behind, the Blaugrana’s margin for error has evaporated.
For Mallorca, a win would consolidate their position in the European places and further cement their reputation as one of the season’s most resilient sides.