Following a dramatic comeback victory against Celta Vigo over the weekend, Barcelona faces another challenge as they host Mallorca on Tuesday afternoon. With the La Liga title race still tight, manager Hansi Flick must manage squad rotation carefully, especially with the Copa del Rey final scheduled for Saturday. Although Barcelona is set to meet Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Clasico, they cannot afford to overlook Mallorca, currently holding a four-point lead in the league.
This fixture also marks Barcelona`s first match without star striker Robert Lewandowski. The prolific Polish forward has had an outstanding season, scoring 37 goals across all competitions, but is now sidelined for at least the next three games due to a `left semitendinosus injury.` With crucial Copa del Rey and Champions League semifinals approaching, Barcelona needs to adapt its attacking setup. Ferran Torres is the likely candidate to fill the central striker role. Supported by players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona still possesses significant attacking threat, but the demanding schedule makes managing player fitness a key challenge for Flick.
Storylines
Barcelona: Hansi Flick has publicly backed Ferran Torres to lead the line in Lewandowski`s absence, while also expressing concerns about the fitness of other key players like Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Yamal, and Raphinha. Maintaining the health of these crucial squad members is vital for Barcelona`s ambitions in the Copa del Rey and potentially the Champions League. Flick praised Torres, stating, “He`s very important. We need to manage him. He`s in a very good moment… Nine is the right position for him… He`s a fast player, he can also control the ball, give us [lots] when we defend. But we also have to manage him, because we need him until the end of the season.” Mallorca`s strong defensive record (seventh in the league) poses a significant challenge, and Barcelona must balance the need for points with protecting players ahead of crucial fixtures.
Mallorca: Allowing one goal or fewer in eight of their last ten matches highlights Mallorca`s defensive solidity. While their away form has been less consistent, a recent 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on April 12 suggests improvement. Facing Barcelona away is arguably their toughest test, requiring intense focus for the entire match, as Celta Vigo discovered. However, if Mallorca aims for a European spot, this match presents an opportunity to make a statement.
Predicted lineups
Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny, Gerrard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Ferran Torres
Mallorca: Dominik Greif, Johan Mojica, Jose Copete, Antonio Raillo, Martin Valjent, Mateu Morey, Sergi Darder, Samu, Omar Mascarell, Antonio Sanchez, Cyle Larin
Prediction
Even without Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona`s attack retains considerable quality, which should make it difficult for Mallorca to sustain pressure or even break out of their own half consistently. Furthermore, Barcelona has repeatedly demonstrated a strong mentality and ability to fight back in matches. Therefore, a comfortable home win for Barcelona seems likely.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 3, Mallorca 1
