In a crucial La Liga encounter on May 1, 2022, Barcelona snapped a run of three consecutive home defeats with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Real Mallorca at the Camp Nou. A rare goal from veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets proved decisive, helping the Catalans reclaim second place in the league standings, overtaking Sevilla. The win showcased Barcelona’s resilience and attacking intent, while Mallorca’s late response set up a tense finish.
Early Dominance and Depay’s Opener
Barcelona started brightly, with Memphis Depay breaking the deadlock in the first half. The Dutch forward, reinstated in the starting lineup, showcased his flair with a clever 18-yard finish, assisted by a pinpoint pass from Jordi Alba. Moments earlier, Ronald Araujo thought he had given Barcelona the lead with a well-placed header, but the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside call. Despite the setback, the Catalans looked revitalized, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. However, they survived a scare when Mallorca’s Fer Nino missed an open goal, keeping the scoreline in Barcelona’s favor.
Busquets’ Decisive Moment
The turning point came nine minutes into the second half when Sergio Busquets, known more for his defensive prowess than goal-scoring, unleashed a clean strike from the edge of the penalty area. His rare goal—only his second in the league that season—put Barcelona 2-0 up, giving them a cushion against a determined Mallorca side. The Camp Nou erupted as Busquets’ effort highlighted his ability to influence the game in unexpected ways, reinforcing his importance to Xavi Hernandez’s squad.
Missed Chances and a Late Scare
Barcelona had chances to extend their lead, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang squandered a close-range opportunity, firing wide from five yards. Ferran Torres also saw a goal ruled out by VAR, keeping the match within reach for Mallorca. The visitors capitalized in the closing stages when Antonio Raillo headed in a well-delivered free-kick from Salva Sevilla, sparking a nervy finale. Despite the late pressure, Barcelona held firm, with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and the defense standing tall to secure the victory.
Ansu Fati’s Emotional Return
The night was capped by a heartwarming moment for Barcelona fans, as Ansu Fati made his first appearance since early November, coming off the bench. The young forward’s return from injury added a positive note to an already productive evening, signaling his potential to contribute in the season’s final stretch. His cameo appearance lifted spirits at the Camp Nou, as Barcelona aimed to build momentum for a strong finish.
League Standings and Implications
The victory propelled Barcelona to 66 points, comfortably securing their place in the La Liga top four and keeping their hopes alive for a higher finish. For Mallorca, the defeat left them in a precarious 16th position, just one point above the relegation zone. Under Javier Aguirre, Mallorca faced an uphill battle to avoid dropping to Segunda División, with every point critical in their fight for survival.
A Step Forward for Barcelona
Under Xavi’s guidance, Barcelona demonstrated their ability to rebound from recent setbacks, with Depay and Busquets delivering key contributions. The return of Fati added further optimism as the Catalans looked to solidify their position and push for a Champions League spot. For Mallorca, the loss highlighted the challenges of facing top-tier opposition, but their late goal showed their fighting spirit. This match underscored Barcelona’s growing cohesion and Mallorca’s precarious position as the La Liga season neared its climax.
