It was not a vintage performance from FC Barcelona on Friday night against Mallorca, but the most important three points were secured thanks to a piece of sheer magic from a boy of just sixteen years of age.
The opening 10 minutes were without clear-cut chances as both teams were feeling each other out.
Joao Felix was in the lineup after seating out the match against Athletic Club. The team switched from 4-2-3-1 to the natural 4-3-3 due to most of the regulars missing out due to injuries.
So we understand that it wasn't going to be an easy take, plus we've gotten into the stage in which every league match is a decider whether a team will be relegated, qualify for European football, or remain where they're for the new campaign.
Before the match, Mallorca was in fourteenth place on the table and would hope to retain that position in the league.
But that hope was tested on the 25th minute of the encounter when Raphina was hackled down in the box by Copete.
The referee immediately waved away the appeal for a penalty. But a few seconds later, he was called to check on the incident. After a long VAR review, Iglesias Villanueva pointed to the spot. It was a penalty!
Ilkay Gundogan stepped in to take the penalty, but unfortunately, Predrag Rajkovic anticipated the direction of the kick and pulled off a great save!
On the 29th minute, Barcelona took a short corner instead of sending the ball into the 18-yard box. Raphina got to the end of the short pass and fired at goal, but his attempt was blocked.
In the 35th minute, Joao Felix steadied himself on the edge of the box and released a thunderous shot on goal, but it narrowly sailed past the right post.
In the 37th minute, Xavi was forced to substitute the injured Raphina. Another terrible night! The Brazilian was replaced by 20-year-old Fermin Lopez.
In the 38th minute, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen made a brilliant save to deny a header from Mallorca player Manu Morlanes after a cross from the side.
Ilkay could've cleaned up the mess from his poorly taken penalty kick, but his weak effort from close range on the 41st minute ended up again in the gloves of Predrag Rajkovic.
In the 45th minute, the Mallorca goalkeeper made a sublime save once more to deny a header that was directed towards the roof of the net by Fermin Lopez.
In the 48th minute, Mallorca's Vedat Mariqi could've scored when he latched onto a pullback in the box right in front of goal, but his short was weak, and Ter Stegen gathered the ball.
Vedat Mariqi threatened again on the 54th minute when he created some space around the penalty spot and connected with a free-kick.
His perfect header hit the bar and ricochet away off it. The goal wouldn't have counted anyway because he was judged to be offside.
In the 57th minute, Lamine Yamal's promising effort hit the woodwork when he tried his luck from mid-range, firing a powerful volley towards goal. Barca could've gone ahead here!
In the 61st minute, Xavi substituted Marc Guiu for Lewandowski, while Joao Felix made way for Vitor Roque.
In the 73rd minute, the much-needed goal came through the shoes of the youngster, Lamine Yamal.
Ilkay Gundogan delivered a lovely cross into the penalty area, and a Mallorca player made a brilliant clearance.
Lewandowski picked up the clearance and slipped it to Lamine Yamal on the edge of the box, and the 16-year-old wiggled and jiggled his way into the area and curled a delightful left-footed effort into the top corner.
The goal was so breathtaking that it had to be repeated on the Estadi Olimpic screens, and the crowd got to truly appreciate what a work of art they had just witnessed. In unison, the whole stadium gushed with admiration. Utter brilliance.
In the 88th minute, Robert Lewandowski slalomed his way past challenges, but an opposing player did well to get the ball away.
Not much happened again for the remaining few minutes of regular time. After the five minutes added, Referee Iglesias Villanueva blew the final whistle, and FC Barcelona took all three points therein.
This win places the Blaugrane side in second on the league table with 61 points from 28 matches.
Girona is third with 59 points from 27 matches. Real Madrid is still on top with 66 points from 27 matches.
There is just a 5-point difference between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The title race seems very open. Don't you think so?
Napoli next
The game was by no means over. Mallorca hadn’t done too much, but they had competed well, and with just a one-goal cushion, Barça were anything but comfortable.
The UEFA Champions League is next. Well-done boys!
Yamal has a bright future
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