Spain's Barcelona (AP) — Barcelona defeated Mallorca 1-0 at home on Friday, moving the reigning Spanish league winners into second position with a goal from teenage Lamine Yamal in the second half.
Yamal's wonderful goal in the 73rd minute, struck from just inside the area's corner, saved a poor Barcelona team from a second straight tie.
It was Yamal's sixth goal in all competitions during his first full season with Barcelona at the age of 16. Despite his youth, he has already achieved a number of firsts: he is the youngest player to start in the Champions League, score for Spain, and make his league debut.
"I was attempting to keep them busy with something on their left back, but since they allowed me to go for his youth, making him the youngest player to start in the Champions League, score for Spain, and make his debut and score in the Spanish league.
Regarding his goal, Yamal stated, "I was trying to keep their left back occupied, but since they gave me the space, I went for my shot." "We now have to focus on the Champions League, as we have one of the season's most significant matches to come." Robert Lewadowski waited until the last 30 minutes of the game, coach Xavi Hernández, in preparation for Tuesday's Champions League meeting between Napoli and the team that goes to the quarterfinals. They drew 1-1 in their first match in Italy.
Barcelona now leads Girona by two points ahead of their Saturday home match against Osasuna. Real Madrid leads Barcelona by five points going into Sunday's match against Celta Vigo.
Predrag Rajkovic, the goalie for Mallorca, kept the game tight. José Copete fouled Raphinha in the area, and Ilkay Gundogan attempted a penalty kick, which he saved in the first half. Early in the second half, Rajkovic also managed to get just enough of a touch on a Yamal shot to deflect it against his bar.
Raphinha would eventually need to be replaced in the first half, perhaps as a result of Copete's penalized knock to his leg.