Barcelona Survive Late Scare in La Liga Santander, Hang On to Beat RCD Mallorca and Climb to Second Spot

• Barcelona were dominant for large spells of the game as they looked to run riot at the Camp Nou
• Mallorca made things more interesting when they got a late goal and pushed hard for an equaliser
• Barcelona now moved up to second place in La Liga and are two points ahead of Sevilla in second place

Barcelona survived a late scare by RCD Mallorca to pick up a much-needed win at the Camp Nou.

The win was Barcelona's first at home in four games and helped them move up to second on the La Liga table.

Barcelona were rampant in the first half as they looked to bounce back from three successive defeats at home.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang almost got the Blaugrana off to a perfect start when headed goalward from a cross within five minutes. His effort was pushed way by Mallorca keeper, Sergio Rico. Mallorca had their best chance of the whole game in the 19th minute when Nino blasted over a difficult chance from close range.

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Barca then took the lead in the 24th minute when Ronald Araujo headed home. The goal was chalked off for offside though. A minute later Memphis Depay put the Blaugrana ahead with a smart finish from a Jordi Alba cross.

Barca continued to push forward and dominated the rest of the first half. The team would have been disappointed to go into the break with only a one-goal advantage.

The second half was much the same as Barca continued to play on the front foot. Ten minutes after play restarted, Sergio Busquets put the host two goals up. The midfielder struck a low show from the edge of the box that flew past a host of legs and into the back of the net. Aubameyang and Depay continued to threaten the Mallorca goal as Barca looked for a third.

Barcelona did get a third in the 72nd minute when Ferran Torres bundled in from close range after a comedy of errors in the box. The goal was later also ruled out as offside.

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Mallorca then set the cat amongst the pigeons as they scored in the 80th minute. Antonio Raillo steered in a volley from a freekick to give the visitors a fighting chance.

Barcelona would hang on to their slim lead to pick up a hard-fought win.

Barcelona in a battle for second place on La Liga table, host RCD Mallorca side looking to avoid relegation

Barcelona host RCD Mallorca in what promises to be an exciting La Liga encounter later this evening. Both teams have a lot to play for at either end of the league table, Sports Brief earlier reported.

Barcelona’s slim chances of winning La Liga were dashed by Real Madrid’s victory yesterday, but the Catalan side still have the incentive to finish the season strong. The Blaugrana still have a chance to finish second behind Los Blancos and secure a UEFA Champions League place.

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They are currently third on the table, one point behind Sevilla, who played a game more. Atletico Madrid is two points behind Xavi’s side. Sevilla jumped up to the second place with a draw again Cadiz on Friday night, Firstpost reported.