Barcelona manager Hansi Flick credited the return of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to the starting lineup as a key factor in their dominant 5-1 win over Mallorca on Tuesday. Yamal had been sidelined for four weeks due to an ankle injury, and during his absence, Barcelona struggled to earn just one point from three La Liga matches, allowing Real Madrid to close the gap at the top.
However, with Yamal back on the pitch, Barcelona ended their three-match winless streak in emphatic fashion.
Flick highlighted the significant impact Yamal had on the team's performance, noting his ability to generate positive momentum. The young forward could have scored once or twice during the match, according to Flick, who praised the overall team performance. Despite Mallorca's equalizer from a counterattack, Barcelona remained composed and continued to push forward, securing a well-deserved victory.
The match also saw a rest day for Barcelona's star striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been in exceptional form with 15 goals in La Liga this season. His absence allowed Ferran Torres to step in and score the opening goal after a defensive error from Mallorca.
Flick explained that Lewandowski needed the rest, and Torres' goal was important for his confidence and for the team. With the win, Barcelona sit atop the La Liga standings with 37 points, four ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who have two games in hand.
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