Mallorca vs Barcelona: As Mallorca host Barcelona at the Visit Mallorca Estadi, this La Liga clash promises to deliver excitement with both teams aiming for crucial points. Barcelona will look to maintain their spot at the top of the table, while Mallorca seeks to strengthen their position in the top half.

Head-to-Head

Barcelona has dominated this fixture historically.

• Total Games (Last 7 years): 8
  • Barcelona Wins: 7
  • Draws: 1
  • Mallorca Wins: 0

Last 5 Meetings

1. March 2024 (La Liga): Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca
2. September 2023 (La Liga): Mallorca 2-2 Barcelona
3. May 2023 (La Liga): Barcelona 3-0 Mallorca
4. October 2022 (La Liga): Mallorca 0-1 Barcelona
5. May 2022 (La Liga): Barcelona 2-1 Mallorca

La Liga Standings (Before the Match)

Mallorca vs Barcelona Lineups

Mallorca (4-4-2)

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif
• Defenders: Mateu Morey, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raillo, Johan Mojica
• Midfielders: Robert Navarro, Manu Morlanes, Samu Costa, Dani Rodríguez
• Forwards: Cyle Larin, Sergi Darder

Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña
• Defenders: Jules Koundé, Íñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde
• Midfielders: Pedri, Gavi, Pablo Torre, Fermín López
• Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski

Key Stats

• Barcelona has won 29 of the last 42 meetings against Mallorca, scoring 90 goals in the process.
• Mallorca’s last home victory over Barcelona came in 2009.
• Dani Rodríguez is Mallorca’s top scorer with 3 goals; Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski has an impressive 15 goals this season.
• Barcelona scores an average of 2.29 goals in away games, while Mallorca averages 1 goal per home game.

Match Facts

1. The most common result in matches between these teams is 0-1 in favor of Barcelona, occurring 6 times.
2. Mallorca has failed to score in 3 of their 8 home games this season.
3. Barcelona has failed to score in only 1 of their 9 away games this season.
4. Barcelona’s 24% of goals come between the 16th and 30th minute, while Mallorca scores 33% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minute.

SWOT Analysis for RCD Mallorca vs Barcelona

RCD Mallorca

Strengths

1. Home Resilience: Despite limited success against Barcelona historically, Mallorca has managed to secure 2-3-2 as their home record this season, demonstrating moderate defensive resilience.
2. Clinical Scoring Phase: They score 33% of their goals between the 46th and 60th minute, capitalizing on tactical adjustments after halftime.
3. Dynamic Midfield Presence: With Dani Rodríguez as their top contributor (3 goals and 4 assists), the team relies on midfield creativity.
4. Improved Standings: Rising from 17th last season to 8th this season indicates steady progress in performance.

Weaknesses

1. Inability to Capitalize Against Barcelona: No wins in the last five meetings with Barcelona and a last home victory dating back to 2009.
2. Goal Deficit: Mallorca averages only 1 goal per game at home, significantly lower than their opponents’ away average of 2.29.
3. Defensive Gaps: Struggles to keep clean sheets, failing to score in three of their eight home games this season.

Opportunities

1. Exploit Barcelona’s Away Vulnerability: Barcelona has shown inconsistency with occasional struggles in away matches this season, including a failure to score in one of nine outings.
2. Set Piece Advantage: Focus on converting limited opportunities like corners and free kicks against Barcelona’s often high defensive line.

Threats

1. Lewandowski’s Form: Facing the in-form striker who has scored 15 goals this season could expose defensive frailties.
2. Barcelona’s Historic Dominance: A psychological edge held by Barcelona with a 90-35 aggregate goal difference in 42 meetings.
3. Pressure to Defend: If Barcelona dominates possession, Mallorca’s defense will face constant testing, increasing the risk of errors.

FC Barcelona

Strengths

1. Dominant Head-to-Head Record: Barcelona has won 29 out of 42 meetings, including four of the last five matches, showcasing complete control in this fixture.
2. Prolific Attack: With Lewandowski leading the line and Lamine Yamal contributing seven assists, the team averages 2.29 goals in away matches.
3. Solid Defensive Unit: The Catalans have conceded only 16 goals in 15 matches, maintaining a strong backline.
4. Clinical First-Half Performances: Winning 50% of first halves ensures they set the tone early in games.

Weaknesses

1. Reliance on Key Players: Heavy dependence on Lewandowski and Yamal for goal contributions may make the attack predictable.
2. Away Consistency: Although solid, a failure to score in one of nine away games shows potential for lapses.

Opportunities

1. Exploiting Mallorca’s Weak Scoring Record: Mallorca has failed to score in three of their eight home games, providing Barcelona with an opportunity to dominate.
2. Capitalize on Early Goals: Barcelona’s habit of scoring 24% of their goals between the 16th and 30th minute could unnerve Mallorca early in the game.

Threats

1. Hostility of Away Fixture: The Visit Mallorca Estadi could pose challenges with the crowd factor and Mallorca’s defensive resilience.
2. Second-Half Vulnerability: With Mallorca’s peak scoring phase being the 46th-60th minute, complacency after halftime could be risky.
3. Unpredictability of Tight Games: A lower-than-expected margin or early setback could make the game harder than anticipated.

Prediction

Given Barcelona’s recent form and historical dominance over Mallorca, the Catalan giants are the favorites. However, Mallorca’s resilience, particularly at home, cannot be underestimated.

• Predicted Scoreline: Mallorca 1-3 Barcelona

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