Following a dramatic comeback victory against Celta Vigo over the weekend, Barcelona is set for another challenging fixture as they host Mallorca on Tuesday afternoon. With the La Liga title race still tight, manager Hansi Flick must manage player fatigue and rotation, particularly with the crucial Copa del Rey final approaching on Saturday. Barcelona will face Real Madrid in the Clasico showdown, but currently only holding a four-point lead in the league, they cannot afford to underestimate their upcoming opponents.
This match also marks Barcelona`s first game without star striker Robert Lewandowski. The prolific Polish forward has been in exceptional form, netting 37 goals across all competitions this season. However, he is now sidelined for at least the next three matches due to a left semitendinosus injury. With significant fixtures like the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinals on the horizon, Barcelona needs to adapt their attacking strategy. Ferran Torres is expected to fill the central forward role, supported by wingers like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. While there is still considerable talent in the squad, the congested schedule presents a challenge, as key players cannot be expected to play every minute of the upcoming demanding period.
Match Details & Odds
- Date: Tuesday, April 22
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys — Barcelona, Spain
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona -450; Draw +525; Mallorca +1100
Storylines
Barcelona: Lewandowski`s injury necessitates a shift in attack, with Flick endorsing Ferran Torres for the number nine position. The manager also expressed concerns about the fitness levels of other important players heading into the match, including midfielders like Frenkie De Jong and Pedri, as well as wingers Yamal and Raphinha. Maintaining the fitness of these critical players is vital for Barcelona`s prospects in the Copa del Rey and other competitions, but the immediate focus is Tuesday`s match.
Flick commented on Torres`s importance: “`He`s very important. That we also manage this. He`s in a very good moment in his career, he`s scored ten goals in La Liga. And I think nine is the right position for him. What he shows though too, he`s a fast player, but 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 currently sits seventh in the league, largely thanks to their robust defense. They are contenders for a European qualification spot, making this match crucial. Barcelona must balance securing points with managing player safety.
Mallorca: Mallorca`s defensive strength is evident in their record, having conceded one goal or fewer in eight of their last ten matches, making them a difficult side to break down. While they have sometimes been easier to defeat away from home, a recent 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on April 12 suggests their away form is improving. Facing Barcelona is a significant challenge that requires complete focus for the entire match, as Celta Vigo discovered. If Mallorca aims to qualify for European competition, this match presents a prime 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
Despite the absence of Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona still possesses significant attacking quality that is likely to make it difficult for Mallorca to consistently get out of their own half. Barcelona`s demonstrated ability to fight back in matches, even when trailing, suggests they have the resilience to overcome challenges. Therefore, it is hard to anticipate anything other than a decisive victory for Barcelona at home.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 3, Mallorca 1
