La Liga: Barcelona go four clear after 3-0 win over Mallorca

Barcelona moved four points clear at the top of La Liga with a dominant 3-0 win at home against strugglers Mallorca.

Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal struck for the leaders at the Nou Camp.

Mallorca’s Jan Virgili caused problems for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in the first half, getting the better of him on multiple occasions, but the visitors could not force a breakthrough.

Instead, the attacking power of the hosts produced the opener when Marcus Rashford’s right-foot effort was blocked and rebounded off Dani Olmo, with the ball falling to Lewandowski, who fired in from nine yards.

Jagoba Arrasate’s visitors struggled in the second half, and Yamal’s strike just after the hour mark more or less ended their hopes.

The 18-year-old made space to strike from 25 yards and hit a terrific shot into the right corner for his third goal in six matches against Mallorca.

Barca added salt to Mallorca’s wounds with a third from Bernal, another 18-year-old. After a rapid counter-attack, he darted into the penalty area and slotted in his first goal for the club.

Hansi Flick’s side have won all 11 of their home games this season in La Liga. This was their sixth clean sheet at home.

Their victory applies pressure to title rivals Real Madrid, who face Valencia on Sunday. Barcelona are next in action in La Liga when they go to Girona on Monday, 16 February, but they have a Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday first.

Mallorca, hovering just above the relegation zone, hosts Real Betis on 15 February in their next match.

(BBC)