Raphinha Shines as Barcelona Hammer Mallorca 5-1

Barcelona roared back to form with a dominant 5-1 victory over Real Mallorca last night, Tuesday 3 December, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points.

The Catalans ended a three-match winless streak in style, with Raphinha delivering a standout performance at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

The 27-year-old Brazilian winger netted two goals in the second half, first converting a penalty after Lamine Yamal was fouled; then finishing a sublime assist from the teenage sensation. Raphinha’s brace took his league tally to 11 goals, as he proved pivotal in breaking the host’s resistance.

Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up, but Mallorca equalised through Vedat Muriqi just before half-time. Barcelona’s dominance emerged after the break, with substitutes Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor adding late goals to seal the rout.

Barca manager Hansi Flick’s decision to rest Robert Lewandowski and start Torres paid off, while Yamal’s return injected creativity and energy. The result reinforces the Spanish side’s title credentials as they prepare for a tough trip to Real Betis on Saturday, 7 December.

With their attacking depth and growing confidence, Barcelona look set to keep rivals Real Madrid in their rear-view mirror this season as the former expands their 37 and Real’s 33 points difference.

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