BARCELONA: Barcelona inched closer to the La Liga title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mallorca on Tuesday which took them seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table to seven points with five games to go.

Spain international Dani Olmo slotted home inside the first minute of the second half to help Barca turn up the heat on second-placed champions Real, who have a game in hand.

Hansi Flick’s side, aiming for a potential quadruple, outplayed the visitors but could not extend their lead at the Olympic stadium as goalkeeper Leo Roman made save after save.

“Their goalkeeper had a great game,” Barcelona midfielder Gavi told Movistar Plus. “We had the chance to take advantage and took it. It’s football. We insisted, worked hard, kept going and the goal finally came. We played a great game overall and I’m very happy for the players who stepped up.”

Barca dominated proceedings despite Flick deciding to rest several key starters ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against rivals Real. The coach handed former teenage prodigy Ansu Fati his first start since October and deployed Hector Fort on the left of the defence, with Ferran Torres up front in place of injured top scorer Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona created several chances in the first half but eo Roman put on a show between the posts to keep them at bay.

They finally managed to break the deadlock shortly after the interval thanks to a fine piece of individual skill from Olmo, who took the ball in a tight space inside the box and quickly fired a left-foot shot into the bottom corner before Mallorca’s defenders could challenge him.

The win lifted Barca to 76 points at the top of the standings with Mallorca seventh, in a Europa League qualification spot, on 44 points.

After Saturday’s Clasico in Seville, treble chasing Barca will face last-placed Valladolid before hosting Real in a mouthwatering showdown that could decide the title on May 11.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2025