Ferran Torres took advantage of disastrous defending to put Barcelona ahead of Mallorca in his first start for nearly two months in La Liga on Tuesday.
With Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman off the line and looking likely to collect the ball, defender Johan Mojica pulled a prank at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, recklessly bringing down a team-mate’s clearance.
The rebound fell to an unmarked Torres inside the penalty area, whose shot took a touch from Roman on its way under his body and rolled into the back of the net in the 12th minute.
The shark is BACK. 🦈🔥#Mallorca Barca pic.twitter.com/NWsTvKdL7P
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 3, 2024
Muriqi’s goal brings Mallorca level
Lamin Yamal had a great chance to double Barca’s lead shortly after when Rafinha found him in space inside the area.
The 17-year-old scored in a 4-0 win at Real Madrid on October 26 but spurned the chance to score his second goal in two home and away games, firing wide.
That error was made all the more painful when Vedat Muriqi equalized from close range two minutes before half-time after Mallorca had beaten Barca’s offside trap just beyond the center circle.
Kosovo striker Muriqi’s first goal in five appearances was Los Bermellones’ first effort on target and boosted their hopes of a third straight win.
Jagoba Arrasate’s side came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 at home on Friday and have a chance to go fourth with a win.
GOOOOOOOOOOOLL 🏴☠️
BUT WHAT A FIGHT, PABLO#Mallorca Barca 1-1 pic.twitter.com/6WdNpoPrcv
— RCD Mallorca (@RCD_Mallorca) December 3, 2024
Torres returns from injury
Torres had missed eight league and Champions League games with a hamstring injury suffered in the sixth minute of a 3-0 win at Alaves on 6 October.
The Spanish forward returned as a 33-minute substitute in Barca’s previous league game, losing 2-1 at home to popular Las Palmas on Saturday.
Despite the shock result, Barcelona head into their clash with Mallorca knowing that three points will put them four clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who will have two games in hand.
The reigning champions, who sit a point above third-placed Atletico Madrid, are at home to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday (9pm GMT).
