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Rafinha scored twice in 19 minutes as Barcelona survived a scare to win 5-1 in Mallorca after Robert Lewandowski failed to start for his club for the first time this season.
Lewandowski is the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League but scored just once in more than six-and-a-half hours of Spanish football and was an unused substitute in Barca's first win in four top-flight games.
Lewandowski needed a rest – we had to take care of him,” said Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. AS. “Ferran (Torres) had a very good game and scored the first goal, which is very important for him. Whenever we need him, he is there.
“Today it was not necessary to play with Lewandowski. To be honest, he wasn't at full capacity yesterday and I felt it was a good idea to give him a break. “He played a lot of minutes.”
Mallorca gives a goal to Barcelona! 🎁
Ferran Torres takes advantage of a defensive mix-up and finds the back of the net 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/0U5Q6rL6ow
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024
Mallorca vs Barcelona
Making his first start after an eight-game injury absence, Torres capitalized on some hapless defending to score in the 12th minute before Vedat Muriqi equalized two minutes before half-time.
Winger Rafinha's penalty put Barca back in front 11 minutes after the break, and after the former Leeds United man scored again, Frankie de Jong and Pau Victor extended their lead late on.
Barcelona are four points ahead of second-placed reigning champions Real Madrid, who have two games in hand. “Today was a very important day for us,” noted Flick, whose side lost 2-1 at home to Las Palmas on Saturday.
Barcelona took the lead! 🔵🔴
Lamine Yamal gets a penalty on his return to action and Rafinha saves it 🔥 pic.twitter.com/THb6gYPpcA
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024
“We had a lot of chances and could have scored one or two more goals in the first half. We started the second half doing what we had already done in the first half.
“It is true that in the first half we struggled at times, but in the second we found our feet. I like the team not conceding goals. It wasn't possible today, but I can't complain. It was a very good game; I am very happy.”
Lamin Yamal “unbelievable”
Flick said he was glad November was over after seeing his side follow up a 4-0 win at Madrid on October 26 with four points from a possible 12 in the league over the following month.
The German praised 17-year-old winger Lamine Yamal for winning the penalty. “He also assisted Rafinha and started the play for Pau Victor's goal,” Flick said. “That's what we need from him.”
What a ball from Lamine Yamal 😮💨
Special assist from the returning star to set up Rafinha for his second goal of the night 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nECsvONE6e
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024
“Lamin is always important; he is an amazing player. He is the one who makes the biggest difference in the team. He could have scored one or two goals, but he gave the team goals.
“I want to highlight all the other players. I always say that it is important to talk about the group, how we defend and how we attack.
“It's not always easy to defend like we do, with such an advanced line. They are very young players and we demand a lot from them.”
