Barcelona cruised to a comfortable 3–0 win over Mallorca on Saturday to move four points clear at the top of the La Liga standings and stay on course to defend their title.
Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Marc Bernal and Lamine Yamal sealed Barcelona’s victory at the partially reopened Camp Nou, extending Barcelona’s advantage over second-placed Real Madrid ahead of Álvaro Arbeloa’s side’s trip to Valencia on Sunday.
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Despite the convincing scoreline, Barcelona were below their best in the first half, although Lewandowski’s close-range finish ensured they went into the break in front.
“I was not happy; we were not on our level; the playing and passing were too slow,” admitted head coach Hansi Flick. “The first half was not how Barcelona want to play, but the second half was much better.”
Rashford was again involved in the build-up to the opener, with his blocked effort falling to Dani Olmo, who teed up Lewandowski to finish from close range.
The England forward later saw a dangerous free-kick tipped onto the crossbar by Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman, while Yamal missed from point-blank range after Jules Kounde’s rebound fell into his path.
The teenager made amends after the restart with a superb strike from outside the box, leaving Roman with no chance. Marc Bernal wrapped up the win late on as Barcelona asserted full control.
It was Yamal’s fourth goal in four games, underlining his rich vein of form.
“He kept his energy for the second half and the goal. Lamine is fantastic,” Flick said.
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