Barcelona’s title ambitions received a significant boost Tuesday night as Dani Olmo’s swift strike just after halftime secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mallorca at Camp Nou. The win propels Barca seven points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table with five games remaining.
Despite head coach Xavi Hernandez opting to rest several key players ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Real, Barcelona dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. Mallorca’s goalkeeper, Leo Roman, delivered an exceptional performance, making several crucial saves to keep the visitors in contention.
The breakthrough came moments into the second half when Olmo showcased his individual brilliance. Navigating through tight defensive spaces inside the box, he unleashed a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, leaving Roman with no chance. The goal marked a pivotal moment, igniting the home crowd and settling Barcelona’s nerves.
With this victory, Barcelona climbs to 76 points, reinforcing their position at the summit of La Liga. Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Wednesday, trail by seven points but have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Mallorca remains in seventh place, holding onto a Europa League qualification spot with 44 points.
“It was a tough match, but we showed resilience,” Olmo said after the game. “Scoring early in the second half was crucial, and we’re happy to keep the momentum going as we push for the title.”
The focus now shifts to the upcoming Copa del Rey final, where Barcelona will face Real Madrid in a highly anticipated clash that could define their season.
