PREVIEW | Mallorca v FC Barcelona
November is usually too early to build up anything resembling a commanding lead in La Liga, but that's exactly what FC Barcelona did under Hansi Flick. As they waltzed to big win after big win, it seemed like nothing could go wrong in 2024/25. But then things took an unexpected turn for the worse. The Catalans have now gone for three games in a row without a win. A 1-0 loss at Real Sociedad was followed by the late surrender of a 2-0 lead at Celta to only draw 2-2 and then Saturday's first home defeat, 2-1 to Las Palmas.
Barça now travel to sixth placed Mallorca in the hope of setting things back on track. The Tuesday fixture is a 7pm start local time, and as usual we have a complete guide to international kick-off times and broadcasters to help you find the game. Don't forget we also have full coverage in our match center, including live text updates of the action.
How it stands
Just one point from a possible nine has allowed Real Madrid to narrow the huge gap down to just one point, and the all-whites also have yet to play their postponed fixture in Valencia. Madrid also have midweek action, at the home of Athletic Club on Wednesday. That game and the one involving Barça and Mallorca have been brought forward because they involve the same four sides that will be away in Saudi Arabia playing for the Spanish Super Cup in January.
Barça's slump has also brought Atlético Madrid right back in contention. They are just two points behind Barça as things stand.
Mallorca in form
If history is anything to go by, then Mallorca is a fine opportunity for the Catalans to get back to winning ways. They have lost to the islanders just three times in 33 meetings this century, and all three of those were meaningless matches once the title had already been sewn up.
But more recent history suggests that this is by no means an opponent to be taken lightly. Last season, for the only time in 12 attempts, Barça failed to beat them, the game at San Moix ending 2-2, and although Barça did win the Estadi Olimpic, it was a close call, with Lamine Yamal scoring the only goal of the game.
After reaching the cup final last term, Mallorca have got 2024/25 off to an impressive start. They're currently sixth in the table and can realistically start thinking about returning to European competitions for the first time in two decades.
Averaging just one goal a game, it's certainly not thanks to their attack that Mallorca are so highly ranked. Instead, it is their form at the back that they have to thank. They have only leaked a miserly 13 goals all season, the joint third best record in the league, tied with Getafe.
Team news
Marc Casado was suspended against Las Palmas, but will be available again for this one, while after coming on as a substitute in that match, the much-missed Lamine Yamal may be in line for a first start since his return from injury in this one. Alejandro Balde left the field with concussion and a bad neck on Saturday, and although he has recovered, Hansi Flick may prefer to keep him on the bench against Mallorca.
Ansu Fati, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all remain out through injury.
Mallorca also have a far from full squad, with Toni Lato, Ivan Cuellar, Takuma Asano and Copete all expected to miss this game.
Hansi says
"We’re the youngest team in the league, and we need to improve. We also mustn’t concede goals, and everyone has to defend as a unit. The same goes for attacking. We have to stay united. Against Las Palmas ... a lot happened, and I don’t want to get into details. It might seem like I’m complaining or making excuses. The team could have won, but we didn’t ... The team tried to control the ball—we had it for over 70% of the game. But in football, goals matter, and we haven’t scored many in recent matches."
"There’s always a reason for conceding goals. For me, it’s about being in the right place at the right time, applying proper pressure... sometimes it seems easy, but it’s not. If we work as a unit, we cover for each other. We failed to press, didn’t close spaces as a team, and didn’t attack the spaces."
"Ronald Araújo is at a good level and close to playing, but I’m not sure if it’ll be the next match or the following week. Things are looking very positive."
"After the match today… I’ve thought about changes and giving players rest. But today, I saw them all doing well. Everyone is ready. That’s a good sign. I’ll keep thinking about it. We have three consecutive games, but that’s football. And they’re in good shape."