LaLiga: Olmo goal sends Barcelona seven points clear title race
Barcelona moved closer to reclaiming the La Liga title with a 1-0 win over Mallorca on Tuesday night, moving seven points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Dani Olmo netted the only goal of the match to keep the pressure firmly on second-placed Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Wednesday.
Despite making several changes with one eye on Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Madrid, Hansi Flick’s side controlled the game at the Olympic Stadium.
However, they were denied a more convincing scoreline thanks to a brilliant performance from Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman, who made a string of fine saves.
Flick rotated his squad, handing a first start since October to former prodigy Ansu Fati, while Héctor Fort filled in at left-back and Ferran Torres led the line in place of the injured Robert Lewandowski.
“We had a good game, the whole team. There were lots of rotations today with players who hadn’t played for a while, and I’m really happy for them,” Gavi told Movistar.
“Their goalkeeper had a great game. We had so many chances, but that’s football; they’re not going to make it easy.”
Barcelona dominated the first half but went into the break frustrated as the score remained goalless.
Gavi struck the post with a deflected effort, Torres missed a clear chance after a slick Olmo pass, and Fati fired narrowly wide. Roman also denied rising star Lamine Yamal, while Fort’s drive was blocked as Mallorca clung on.
Barcelona’s narrow win sees them take a significant step towards the title, as they eye a domestic and European quadruple under Flick.
