A new demonstration of maturity from Vaixell to shake off Mallorca with a minimum (1-0) thanks to Dani Olmo’s goal. Flick’s team showed different faces, after a first half of endless chances without the desired reward, which came early in the second half. With the lead on the scoreboard, although they couldn’t seal it with a second goal, they managed to hold on and will face the Copa final with at least four points more than Real Madrid, who still have to play against Getafe.
Rotations in the Starting Eleven
With the Copa final on the horizon and many games in a few days for their players, Hansi Flick made changes in the starting lineup. In defense, only Iñigo was repeated, with Araujo as his partner in central defense and Eric Garcia and the strong Hector. In the midfield, with Pedri untouchable, Gavi and Olmo played, while Lamine Yamal returned to the lineup, along with Ferran and Ansu Fati as a big novelty, in the second appearance of the «10» of this season after October 20, in a 5-1 win against Sevilla.
Constant Attack, No Reward Before Halftime
However, the team, aware of the importance of each day towards the final, started intensely searching for Leo Roman’s goal. After a few minutes of back and forth, the field tilted completely towards the Mallorcan goal during the first half. It was almost a miracle that the first half ended goalless, after 24 shots from the Blaugrana and none from the Balearic Islands. Opportunities of all kinds but no one could convert.
Olmo Decides Again
The team supported the risk of despair and there was no reason not to, as before halftime they had a triple chance that didn’t find the net. Not even the goal disallowed for offside by Mateu Morey in added time made Hansi make changes at halftime, which proved unnecessary. Finally, in the first attack of the second half, the deserved goal came. It was scored by Dani Olmo, who received assistance from Eric Garcia and managed to evade the defender’s foot to slot the ball into the bottom corner (1-0, min. 46). The second consecutive goal from the Egarense, who was vital in the comeback against Celta.
A Purpose, after so much effort, has a small leader, who saw a header from Railell go towards Szczęsny’s goal. Flick tried to revitalize the attack by bringing on Fermin and Raphinha, with the intention of sealing the game completely. Lamine Yamal had the chance to do so when he found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper, thanks to a perfect pass, but the keeper won the duel by reading his intentions. Thus, with just a one-goal margin, they reached the final minutes.
Three More Points Before the Cup
Neither Pău Victor, Fermin, nor Raphinha could find the back of the net for peace. And although they deserved more than what remained, so that they weren’t forced to suffer the outcome of the game, the minimal difference on the scoreboard made the final whistle celebrate as leaders. Another hard-earned victory and three vital points to solidify their position as leaders heading into the Copa final on Saturday.
FONT