Fairly uneventful this time around when Barcelona took on Mallorca on Sunday. The biggest reason why is because our man Ronaldinho wasn’t playing Well I must say that there were a few opportunities that Barcelona had in the first half that should have been equalised. First, let’s talk pre-match stats. As stated earlier, Ronaldinho was unavailable for this game against Mallorca, so coach Frank Rijkaard had to strategise in order to make up for the loss of Ronaldinho. Other notable events include the return of Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o to the squad after a minor injury from the week before. Barcelona went into this match knowing full and well that they needed this win so they can have a good chance of clinching the Spanish Primera Liga.

Let’s Get Into The Match

As stated earlier, there were a few opportunities that Barca had in the first half. Some notable chances for both teams. Barca had a chance to go one goal up after a cross entered into the area was optimistically met with a overhead kick by striker Eto’o, only to see his effort go far above of the post, with tight defending from Mallorca. However, the biggest break came for the visiting team, when a one on one situation with Barca keeper, Valdes, ended in a spot kick after Valdes penalised the oncoming attacker. With the hearts of all Barca fans in their mouth, Mallorca took the spot kick to be denied by the quick reflexes of Valdes instantly dropping a great weight off his shoulders.

Lucky Break, Now To Capitalise

But nothing was getting past the Mallorca defence, so coach Rijkaard decided to change his attacking plan by substituting Thuram and Guily for Xavi and Saviola. Further on Barca had a golden opportunity to have a shot on goal, but was gallantly knocked away by the Mallorca keeper, Moya. At this point in time, it seemed futile to clinch a win for the home side. All this until the 88th minute, when the combination of both substitutes paid off for Rijkaard. With a cross whipped in from Xavi, met a couple of heads from Barca and Mallorca players and finally came down for Saviola, whose shot rebounded off the post, hit a Mallorca defender and glided past the goal line. Unlucky for the visiting team, but pure ecstasy for the home side.

The next scheduled match for Barcelona sees them again at home against Getafe on the 18th of this month, which will be even more critical for Barcelona’s hopes to take out the league. We will cover that match with much anticipation.