Three talking points as Barcelona breeze past Mallorca with 1-0 win in La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona had an important game against Mallorca in La Liga at the Montjuic stadium, and although it was important for the Catalan club to win, it was also imperative for the team to be rotated and managed properly with an El Clásico final on the horizon.

Hansi Flick has his task cut out coming into this game, identifying players to provide a rest, but at the same time, ensuring that they are able to come out of the game with three points. Ultimately, the German coach played it out perfectly.

Although the scoreline would show just a 1-0 win, it was a game that Barcelona absolutely dominated from start to finish and faced a wall in the form of Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman, who had a game for the ages.

Ultimately, it was job done for Barcelona as they got the three points while also managing to rest some of their starters, and here are three talking points for the Catalan club from their 1-0 win over Mallorca at the Montjuic in La Liga.

1. Ansu Fati is back!

It has been ages since Ansu Fati last made a start in a Barcelona shirt, and it came as a total surprise to one and all when it emerged that Hansi Flick had planned to play him from the start against Mallorca. One would have to assume that this was the accumulation of some good work in training from the Spanish youngster.

Making his first start in ages and his first La Liga appearance in any capacity since the start of 2025, Ansu looked razor sharp with his combination play and the runs he made into the box. He did not get a goal against his name, but there was a lot to like about his game.

Fati showed flashes of the brilliance that made him a household name at the club, and except for a reluctance to take his man on one-on-one, the Spanish attacker enjoyed an excellent outing with Flick giving him around an hour to influence proceedings.

The 22-year-old was extremely intelligent with his combination play, passes, and movement into the box, and it showed why Barcelona could still trust in Fati to come good and become the player that he once seemed destined to be. Let’s wait and see if Hansi Flick gives him more chances in the coming weeks.

2. 40 shots and Leo Roman!

Every season, Barcelona seem to face one team in La Liga whose goalkeeper chooses to turn into prime Manuel Neuer. This time, it was the turn of Mallorca shot-stopper Leo Roman, who put in arguably the best goalkeeping display in La Liga this season.

Barcelona peppered Mallorca’s goal throughout the game like a kid with darts would do, and yet, the Catalan club could simply not find the back of the net. In the entire game, they had 40 shots, of which only one ended up in the back of the net.

The only time Leo Roman was beaten on the night was by the brilliance of Dani Olmo, who showcased all his football intelligence to put the ball beyond the reach of the Mallorca goalkeeper. Ultimately, it was a game that Barcelona would have ended 6-0, had it not been for Roman’s heroics.

Of course, on the flip side, one could take a look at Barcelona for less than clinical finishing. Lamine Yamal, in particular, should have put the game to bed with the second goal after a sublime pass from Pedri, and the team will hope to sharpen their finishing boots ahead of the Clasico final.

3. What do you say about Pedri?

One of those first-teamers who was not given any sort of rest against Mallorca, Pedri ran the show last night at the Montjuic and was deservedly awarded the MVP of the match award for just how good he was, pulling the strings from midfield.

The Canary Islands midfielder was rather unfortunate not to finish the game with at least three assists to his name, but even otherwise, his poise on the ball and his ability to evade pressure would have made Sergio Busquets proud.

Is there a more press-resistant midfielder in the world currently than Pedri? Let’s rephrase that: Is there a better midfielder in the world currently than Pedri? Judging by the performances the Spaniard puts in week upon week, one would have to say no!

The best part about Pedri’s game seems to be the fact that he is one of those rare players for whom fatigue doesn’t seem to be affecting his game, and if he can have a similar display against Real Madrid, Barcelona are likely to have a memorable night in the Copa del Rey final.