FC Barcelona Has Taken Another Step Towards the Title. In a sluggish match, with few chances and many rotations, Hansi Flick's team defeated Mallorca 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Dani Olmo in the second half.
It Wasn't a Brilliant Match, but It Was Effective. Flick chose to rest several regular starters, already thinking about the final stretch of the season.
Even so, Barça delivered and added three points that leave them very close to the league. With this victory, the team consolidates itself at the top of the table.
A line-up Full of Surprises
The Big Surprise Was Ansu Fati's Starting Position. The forward returned to the starting line-up in a league match after several weeks on the bench. The presences of Eric García and Héctor Fort on the flanks also stood out.
Flick took advantage of the match to manage important players. The coach wanted to give minutes to the less regular players and test alternatives.
The First Half Was Flat. Barça had the ball, but struggled to create clear chances. Mallorca was solid, not allowing spaces between lines.
Olmo Makes a Difference Again
In the Second Half, Barça Picked Up the Pace. The entry of Raphinha and Fermín energized the midfield. In the 46th minute, Dani Olmo appeared in the area with a precise finish to break the tie.
The Goal Was Enough to Seal the Match. From then on, the team managed the lead without excessive suffering. Mallorca, despite their organization, lacked offensive arguments to equalize.
Barça Didn't Need to Shine to Win. They Knew How to Control the Pace, Minimize Risks, and Strike at the Right Moment. That Kind of Victory Also Builds Champions.
The Fans Understood It That Way. Camp Nou Celebrated the Result Calmly, Knowing the Team Is One Step Away from Lifting the Trophy. Only Three Matches Remain, and the blaugranas Depend on Themselves.
Meanwhile, Flick Valued the Team's Attitude, but Wasn't Euphoric. He Knows There's Still Work Ahead.
Flick Gets Tired of...
Among the Tests and Rotations, Some Players Were Highlighted. One of Them Was Ansu Fati, Who Once Again Squandered a Key Opportunity. Disconnected, Without Offensive Weight, and Without Spark, He Went Completely Unnoticed.
The Forward Was Substituted Amid Gestures of Disappointment. Within the Coaching Staff, There Are No Longer Any Doubts About His Situation. Patience Has Run Out.
Eric García and Fort Did Just Enough. They Showed Order and Solidity, Although Without Offensive Projection. But Their Role Was More Specific Than That of the blaugrana '10'.
Beyond the Victory, What the Match Made Clear Is That Ansu Fati No Longer Has a Place in Flick's New Barça. The German Coach Has Given Opportunities, Has Waited for Reactions... but the Level Shown Is Not Enough. Today Was the Confirmation.
Internal Sources in the Locker Room Assure That His Departure Is Decided. There Is No Tension, but There Is Resignation: He Hasn't Recovered His Best Version, Nor Does He Seem Close to Doing So. And the Team Can't Afford to Wait Any Longer.
With Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Other Talents Growing, Ansu Will Have to Look for a New Destination. Flick Has Already Moved On.