Barcelona shook off the negative results that plagued them in the past rounds of the Spanish League, achieving a crushing 5-1 victory over their host Real Mallorca on Tuesday evening in a match brought forward from the 19th round of the competition.
The victory lifts Barcelona to 37 points at the top of the table, 4 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have played two fewer matches, while Mallorca’s tally remains at 24 points in sixth place.
According to information received from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” Spanish coach Hansi Flick is very pleased with the team’s strong reaction in the second half and their full three-point haul.
The newspaper added that the German coach praised the performance of Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, especially in the second half, and commended his precise passes that shook Real Mallorca’s defense and helped make things easier for Barcelona.
The newspaper further stated that Flick went to congratulate Barcelona substitute star Pau Victor for scoring after coming on, telling him that he admired his movements and constant pressure on Real Mallorca’s defense. Flick also asked him to prepare for a starting role in the upcoming match against Real Betis.
In an unexpected development, the newspaper explained that the German coach did not overlook the wonderful performance of substitute midfielder Frenkie de Jong after coming on, urging the player to continue at this level and respond to the doubters on the field only.
Flick expressed his full confidence in the Dutch player and his desire for him to remain with Barcelona despite all the rumors circulating about the club’s desire to sell him in January.
The newspaper concluded that Laporta immediately descended after the match and headed to the team’s locker room, going specifically to the young star Lamine Yamal to congratulate him on his outstanding performance, telling him: “You are the driving force of the team this season.”