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Three talking points from Barcelona 1-0 Real Mallorca

12:48
FC Barcelona v RCD Mallorca - La Liga EA Sports
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images

Another important win for the Catalans

Forty shots, one goal but three points for Barcelona

Barcelona beat Real Mallorca 1-0 on Tuesday on a night where they piled up 40 shots but only managed one goal. It was a disappointing return by Barca’s standards but enough for three points and the chance to move seven points clear.

Hansi Flick made key changes to his team for this one, with one eye on Saturday’s Copa del Rey final. Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha were all given a breather, while the injured Robert Lewandowski could only watch on from the stands.

Yet despite all the changes, Barcelona absolutely dominated the game and should probably have scored a hatful. Leo Roman in the Mallorca goal deserves credit for a fine performance, while the woodwork also saved the visitors when he was finally beaten by Gavi’s deflected strike.

“It was 40 shots, maybe not on target, but 40 shots,” Flick said afterwards. “The way we played football was pretty good. We created a lot of chances. Of course we missed a lot, but a clean sheet, 1-0, with all the changes we made, I appreciate how we played today.”

Mallorca defended in numbers which made life tough for Barca but Dani Olmo eventually found the breakthrough just after half-time. Barca may rue not winning by a bigger margin, but on a night when Flick was able to rotate, this was still an important win.

Eric Garcia surprises Hansi Flick

Flick sprung a few surprises with his starting XI, particularly by opting to end Jules Kounde’s long run of consecutive games at right-back. The German coach had several options to replace the Frenchman but ended up going with Eric Garcia.

The versatile star has played in midfield and central defence already this season but showed on Tuesday he can also do a handy job at right-back. Garcia was solid defensively and even popped up with an assist for Olmo. He really is Barcelona’s utility man.

His performance even surprised Flick who suggested we could see Eric again at right-back at some point in the future.

“I’m surprised by Eric’s level. Another position he can play. He’s important in the locker room and on the pitch too. I’m very happy to have him,” he said afterwards.

After looking set to depart during the past transfer windows, Eric seems to have firmly cemented a place for himself in the squad. He’s now made 37 appearances for Barca in all competitions this season and has completely convinced Flick of his qualities.

Will we see more of Fati and Fort now?

The sight of Ansu Fati and Hector Fort also raised a few eyebrows, after Flick opted to hand out starts to the duo. Both players expressed their frustrations at not playing against Celta but finally made the XI as Flick decided to rotate.

Fort ended up taking over from Gerard Martin at left-back and the youngster will be hoping for more minutes now. With Alejandro Balde set to miss the Copa del Rey final, the left-back spot is effectively up for grabs, although you get the feeling Martin will return for the Clasico.

Ansu was also rewarded with just his second La Liga start of the season and looked sharp against Mallorca, even if he couldn’t find the back of the net. “A really good day” was Flick’s assessment of Fati afterwards, offering hope once more of more game time.

It’s still hard to see Fati having much of a future at Barcelona, given how little he’s been used this season, but if ever there was a time to come good it’s right now.

With Lewandowski out injured, Flick will be looking at his attacking options ahead of a key run of fixtures at home and abroad, which can only be good news for Fati.



Source: barcablaugranes.com

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