The wild stat Barcelona fans are still trying to explain | OneFootball

With a changed lineup brimming with options and keeping an eye on the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona defeated Mallorca 1-0 but accumulated an unbelievable 40 shots. Yes, 40. That number itself speaks volumes about what a kind of game this was: sheer dominance, persistent toil, and a result that lagged far behind what their superiority in the game merited.

The win was merited, but it barely does justice to the whole tale. The first half had the Catalans with a furious attacking barrage. Dani Olmo, Araujo, Gavi, Lamine Yamal… all had chances. But the ball just refused to go in. And Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Román was mostly to blame. He was hands down their standout player, and no wonder. He made 12 saves in one game, many of them tough, one-on-one sort of saves, which showed he was playing at a completely different level even when his team was being bombarded.

Barcelona had the game in control. They just needed a better final touch. They took 24 first-half shots. It was clear that Coach Hansi Flick had to make the team rotate. With the decider against Barcelona on Saturday in mind, he rested established players and gave minutes to players like Ansu Fati and Héctor Fort, even deploying Eric García at full-back. Performance did not drop accordingly. If anything, the team was even more ruthless than of late.

Olmo scored the game's only goal just 46 seconds into the second half. Eric García played him in with a long pass between the lines, and the midfielder finished with precision. It was the least Barça deserved. Even so, they kept pushing and creating chances, but Román kept denying them in every possible way. Lamine Yamal had two clear chances towards the end, but Mallorca's keeper was solid.

Hansi Flick remains in control, despite improvisation

The German manager was experienced and took the situation in his stride. He made eight substitutions, changed formations, introduced young players, and changed roles. But Barcelona was never out of hand, not even for a second. They glided like silk, quick, and relentless. The players were completely committed, even though it was the players who might normally begin on the bench. Flick drew everything out of every player, whether that is means more to the players or just as much to the coach.

Barcelona's dominance was unquestioned

They took possession, chances, outright control. But a lack of goals over a warning sign. Performance never necessarily equates results. This game against Mallorca bore witness to that fact. With such sheer dominance, the ideal outcome would've been a clearer margin. The finishing needs improvement. The side creates, but those chances need to be turned into goals, especially when bigger games are imminent. The match against Betis also had that same atmosphere. Complete focus on the clásico

Now it's Real Madrid's turn. A game of history, pressure, and gravity. The Copa del Rey final is the nation's two biggest clubs against each other, and Barcelona comes into it on a wave of confidence. The performance against Mallorca — even without being a blowout — suggests that they're ready. Flick has choices, tactical variety, and a team that responds. This clásico could be the turning point. And Barcelona's coming at it full throttle.