Barca Blaugranes - La Liga: RCD Mallorca vs FC Barcelona: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2012-11-12T23:28:25+01:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/33942432012-11-12T23:28:25+01:002012-11-12T23:28:25+01:00La Liga: Barcelona 4-2 Mallorca: Player Ratings
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<img alt="I guess this is as close to a smile as we are going to get from Tito" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FfxF0jMgtiy9X6XNc43rBvHcPWQ=/2x0:3996x2663/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3151675/156051161.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>I guess this is as close to a smile as we are going to get from Tito | David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>A detailed player-by-player breakdown of Barcelona's 4-2 win over Real Mallorca</p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Victor Valdes</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.3</i></td>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>23</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>13</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>69%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots Faced</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Saves Made</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>6.5</i></b></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;" lang="EN-US"> </span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another game down, another two goals conceded; looking at the stats, you would think that Valdés has been poor this season, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Momentary lapses in concentration aside, Valdés has simply been unlucky, just as he was yesterday. Very few keepers could have saved Micheal Pereira’s thumping volley, nor was Valdés at fault for the penalty kick. </p>
<p> </p>
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</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.0</i></td>
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<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>108</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>80</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>85%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A mixed performance from the Brazilian full-back who was wasteful with a large number of his crosses, but supplied Alexis Sanchez in the build-up to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a>’s fourth of the evening. Defensively, Alves was pretty impressive – at least he was when he actually occupied his usual position at right-back, which unfortunately came a little too late to stop Michael Pereira’s goal. Aside from that Dani was pretty mediocre, but as long as he keeps showing glimpses of his undoubted quality, Alves will keep his place in Tito’s starting XI.</p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.9</i></td>
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<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>69</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>56</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>95%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
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<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Making his first La Liga start in two months, Piqué reminded Blaugrana fans what they had been missing with a solid performance in the centre of defense. Decisive with his tackling, composed in possession; this was the Gerard Piqué of old – with Geri back in the starting XI, it’s only a matter of time until the clean sheets return. </p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.0</i></td>
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<td style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>84</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>47</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>41</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>93%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>6.5</i></b></span>
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</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Aside from Victor Valdés and Lionel Messi, Mascherano has played the most minutes of any Barcelona player and unfortunately for El Jefecito, it’s starting to show in his play. Not to say that he’s been sloppy, but Mascherano isn’t dominating the defense as he did last season. Maybe with Piqué back from injury, Mascherano’s form will steadily improve once again.</p>
<p> </p>
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</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Jordi Alba</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.0</i></td>
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<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>87</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>107</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>82</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>89%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><i><b>7.0</b></i></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This was a good match for the Spaniard, who may not have threatened a lot offensively, but was dominant at the back. Alba won possession a team-high eight times from left-back, which should put an end to the suggestion that Barcelona are unbalanced with both Alba and Alves on the field. </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Sergio Busquets</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.5</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>121</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>110</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>96%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Interceptions</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><i><b>6.5</b></i></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For around 57 minutes, we were singing the praises of our Catalan pivote – what a difference his return made on the team. With Busi back from suspension, Barcelona were leading quite comfortably against a defensive <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/mallorca">Mallorca</a> outfit. Then Busquets handled in the area. Victor converted the penalty, Barca’s lead was under severe threat and crucially, Busquets had picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, therefore ruling himself out of Barca’s next match. Granted, he might have been rested against Real <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/zaragoza">Zaragoza</a> anyway, but why exactly did he handle the ball with Piqué in support? </p>
<p> </p>
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</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Cesc Fàbregas</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.0</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>126</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>115</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>92%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>2/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Favoured over Andrés Iniesta in the centre of midfield, Cesc Fàbregas registered a single assist yesterday – his eighth in eleven La Liga appearances. That pass for Tello’s goal equalled his assist tally from last season, albeit in 17 fewer games, and vindicated Tito’s team selection. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Xavi Hernández</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.8</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>176</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>164</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>91%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>4/1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Xavi was far from his best, but played a crucial part in Barcelona’s victory nonetheless, curling in a delightful free-kick to open the scoring. Aside from the free-kick, Xavi was a little wasteful with his shooting and he did give away possession more frequently than we are used to, but when he scores goals like that, I think we can let it pass.</p>
<p> </p>
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</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.1</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>66</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>22</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>17</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>94%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0/0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>4.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I can cope when players make mistakes, when strikers go months without a goal. Heck, I can even deal with <span>Alex Song</span> being a Barcelona player, but an outfield player "being anonymous" in a match is simply inexcusable. I understand that Villa was playing in an awkward position and that his teammates were reluctant to pass him the ball, but Villa didn’t even go out in search of the ball on Sunday. There was no pressing, no real runs to speak of...the fact that Valdés made more touches of the ball says it all really.</p>
<p> </p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.7</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>99</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>81</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>81%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>4/2</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>8.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Three cheers for Lionel Messi! Not only did the Argentine secure the three points, but he also eclipsed Pele’s 75-goal haul, which the Brazilian achieved way back in 1958 – further confirmation that Messi is above and beyond anything football has ever witnessed. Maybe he got a little lucky with his first goal of the evening, but his second was clinically taken. Alexis deserves a lot of credit for his chest pass, but watch how Messi reacts. The majority of strikers would have taken that chance on first time, and at first glance it appears as though Messi will as well. However, Leo is composed, he goads the defenders by stopping the ball dead, which allows him just enough time to pick his spot and complete his brace.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Cristian Tello</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.7</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>78</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>69</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>86%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>1/1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>8.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With Alexis Sanchez struggling for goals, Cristian Tello reminded Tito Vilanova of his potential with a well-taken goal on the stroke of half-time. Cutting in from the left-hand side, Tello basically passed the ball into the far corner of Aouate’s goal; it really was a sublime finish. Unlike El Guaje, Tello involved himself in the game and judging by their respective performances, I would say the youngster made the better decision.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Alexis Sanchez</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.1</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>24</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>20</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>14</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>86%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Chilean may be on a bit of a drought in front of goal, but still brings so much to the team. The chest pass to Messi was wonderfully selfless, and he could have registered a second assist in the final minutes if it wasn’t for some wayward finishing from Leo.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Marc Bartra</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.1</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>6</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>100%</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>N/A</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bartra replaced Mascherano with six minutes left to play and therefore does not get a full rating.</p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Martin Montoya</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.1</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>100%</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>N/A</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Similar to Bartra, Montoya was only on the field of play for a couple of minutes and will not receive a rating from me.</p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">The Team</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.6</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>875</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>90%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>12/5</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>17</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Battles Won</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>55%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won/Committed</span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b>18/6</b></span>
</div>
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>7.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a far from vintage display from the Blaugrana who rode their luck at times to secure the three points at the Iberostar. I can have no problems with how they raced into their three-goal lead, but it goes without saying that a team of Barca’s calibre should not let a side like Mallorca back into the game. However, they came good in the end and that’s what matters at this stage of the season.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Tito Vilanova</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.1</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tito made the right choices for the most part with his team selection – Cesc Fàbregas played well, while Cristian Tello was a revelation on the left. Gerard Piqué’s return came at precisely the right time and while his tactical tinkering didn’t pay off on the right-hand side, he didn’t rectify that error by bringing Sanchez off the bench.</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">MOTM - Messi</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>69%</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<br><div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Arron says</b></i></span><span style="float: right;" class="statwords"><b><i>Messi</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="font-size: 12px;" class="MsoNormal">Messi's amongst the favourites for the MoTM in any match he plays, so you can be certain the award will go to him when he scores such a decisive brace. </p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/11/12/3637292/la-liga-rcd-mallorca-2-4-fc-barcelona-player-ratingsArron Duckling2012-11-11T19:52:57+01:002012-11-11T19:52:57+01:00La Liga: Barcelona 4-2 Mallorca: Match Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W9t58SSXYfV13FPl3hmBphQ2Z4U=/0x150:2987x2141/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3071675/156030738.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A recap of Barcelona's 4-2 away win over Real Mallorca at the Iberostar, as goals from Lionel Messi (2), Xavi Hernandez and Cristian Tello were enough to secure a well-deserved victory</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> recovered from an early second-half blip to dispatch Real <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/mallorca" class="sbn-auto-link">Mallorca</a> at the Iberostar Stadium and temporarily extend their lead at the top to six points. Xavi put the Blaugrana ahead with a sublime curling free-kick on 27 minutes, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a> made it two on 44 minutes thanks to an error from Dudu Aouate and Cristian Tello extended Barca’s lead to three with virtually the final kick of the first-half. However, Mallorca were much-improved after the break and threatened to pull off a stunning comeback against their table-topping visitors as Michael Pereira’s volley and Victor’s penalty reduced the deficit to a single goal. <span>Tito Vilanova</span> responded by replacing <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa" class="sbn-auto-link">David Villa</a> with Alexis Sanchez and the substitution paid off as the Chilean set up Messi for his second of the evening which turned out to be the final nail in Mallorca’s coffin.</p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;"></td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Mallorca</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Barcelona</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Possession</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>22%</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>78%</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Total Shots</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>5</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>9</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Shots on Target</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>3</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>4</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Pass Accuracy</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>70%</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>89%</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Fouls</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>11</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>5</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Offsides</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>2</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>2</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Yellow Cards</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>1</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>1</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Red Cards</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>0</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top" style="width: 154.05pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>0</b></p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Tito reacted to Wednesday’s defeat to Celtic by making five changes to his starting XI as Gerard Piqué, <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, Cesc Fàbregas, Cristian Tello and David Villa replaced <span>Marc Bartra</span>, <span>Alex Song</span>, Andrés Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro Rodriguez. With a little more firepower on the field and a stronger defense, Barca were clear favourites against struggling Real Mallorca; would they be able to emphasis their superiority on the pitch?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona started sloppily as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves" class="sbn-auto-link">Dani Alves</a> gave the ball away in under a minute, forcing Gerard Piqué into a difficult covering challenge. However, Geri timed his sliding tackle to perfection and no damage was done. From that point onwards, Barcelona settled into possession, but just like Wednesday night a wall of defenders blocked their path to goal. Working the ball from side to side, Barca tried in vain to find an opening in the first quarter of the match but those chances were few and far between. Cristian Tello was looking dangerous down the left-hand side; although for all of the Catalan’s possession, the first real chance of the match fell to Mallorca.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">The hosts had defended valiantly for the opening 15 minutes, pressing the Barcelona attack when necessary and when they got an opportunity to surge forward, they took it. Ximo Navarro’s tenacity down the right-hand side won possession for Caparros’ side and Tomer Hemed reacted magnificently to reach Ximo’s cross after escaping his marker. Unfortunately, the Israeli international couldn’t keep his shot down and one of Mallorca’s best chances of the half went begging.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona were far from their best in these early exchanges, but it was clear that their undefeated record was under no real threat either. Unlike Celtic, Mallorca were struggling to make an impact on the counter-attack, especially with Piqué and Busquets back in the Blaugrana XI. So, when Marti gave away a free-kick on 27 minutes and Barcelona got their breakthrough, you knew the game was all but over. The free-kick was in an excellent position – just left of centre, roughly 20-25 yards from goal – and Xavi capitalised by curling the ball up and over the wall and into the top corner of Dudu Aouate’s goal. It was a fabulous strike and Xavi’s fourth of the season. Now with a goal advantage, Barcelona were firmly in control.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Saying that, Barca were made to work by their hosts who were not going to go down without a fight. Even after Xavi’s goal, they stuck with the same tactics that had frustrated the Blaugrana, but all their hard work was undone just before half-time as a few moments of madness cost them dear. Their first mistake was allowing Lionel Messi space to dribble as three or more Mallorca defenders just watched as the Argentine advanced on their penalty area and fired a shot at goal. Aided by a horrific mistake from Aouate, Messi’s shot doubled Barcelona’s lead and Cristian Tello compounded Mallorca’s misery by adding a third before half-time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Tello had been threatening all half and cutting in from the left-hand side, the winger was given all the time and space in the world to pick his place, curling a right-footed shot into the far corner of Aouate’s goal. Heading into the break, Barcelona were ahead by three and coasting their way to victory.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Joaquin Caparros made one change at the break, replacing his top-scorer Tomer Hemed with Alfaro, which – on paper – was an odd substitution. Hemed had two decent chances in the first-half and failed to convert either, but was one of Mallorca’s best offensive players. However, there could be no arguing with the results. Alfaro immediately made an impact, firing off a half-volley on the turn, but the Spaniard couldn’t get his shot on target. Maybe it wasn’t Alfaro who Caparros was desperate to get involved though, maybe the change was designed to give Victor a little more freedom? Well, it certainly appeared that way as Victor swung in a good cross from the right-hand side to find Michael Pereira unmarked at the far-post and the Frenchman made no mistake with his finish, thumping the ball past Valdés to reduce the deficit.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Now the gap was down to two goals – surely Barcelona were still in control of this match? Wrong, Mallorca were on the front foot and they made Barcelona pay. Again, Victor was involved in the thick of it, winning a free-kick on the left-hand side that led to a penalty being called against Sergio Busquets. Victor was responsible for winning the penalty too, forcing Busquets into a difficult situation where he chose to handle the ball, and Victor, not leaving anything to chance, stepped up to convert the spot-kick. Barcelona’s three-goal lead was now all but gone; could they hold on?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Mallorca were certainly feeling confident, but Tito Vilanova had an ace up his sleeve, replacing David Villa with Alexis Sanchez. El Guaje had struggled to make an impact in his time on the field, but the out-of-form Chilean had no such problems. With Dani Alves now able to retreat to his usual position at right-back, Barcelona were a little more balanced and the swap immediately paid dividends as Alexis Sanchez cushioned Alves’ cross back to Lionel Messi with a delightful chest pass. No-one closed the Argentine down so Messi unleashed a venomous shot into the back of the net with his left-foot, restoring Barcelona’s two-goal lead. It was La Pulga’s 76<sup>th</sup> goal of the calendar year, which surpasses Pele’s 75 goal haul of 1958 and moves him one goal closer to Gerd Muller’s 85 goal record.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Leo came close to completing his hat-trick in the final five minutes of the match after more great work from Alexis Sanchez, who may be struggling to score goals, but as a result has been a far better "team player" in recent appearances. Both Marc Bartra and <span>Martin Montoya</span> were also given late cameos by Vilanova – with Montoya replacing <span>Jordi Alba</span> at left-back – and Barcelona played out the final minutes to secure a valuable three points. Next up, the Blaugrana entertain Real <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/zaragoza" class="sbn-auto-link">Zaragoza</a> but until then, Visca el Barca! </p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><iframe marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" height="2285" width="760" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dHdBZTdBQjNWaG5QWFI5N19qY0Rpb2c6MA">Loading...</iframe></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/11/11/3631556/la-liga-rcd-mallorca-2-4-fc-barcelona-match-reviewArron Duckling2012-11-11T17:10:36+01:002012-11-11T17:10:36+01:00RCD Mallorca vs FC Barcelona: Live Game Thread
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<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p align="center">La Liga: Matchday Eleven<br>Kickoff: Sunday, 11 November 2012; 17:50 CET<br>Iberostar Stadium, Palma<br>Referee: Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva</p>
<p>Line-ups:</p>
<p align="justify">RCD <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/mallorca">Mallorca</a> (4-4-2): Dudu Aouate; Ximo Navarro, Pedro Geromel, Anderson Conceição, Pedro Bigas; Emilio Nsue, Tomás Pina, José Luis Martí, Michael Pereira; Víctor Casadesús, Tomer Hemed</p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: Juan Calatayud, Kevin García, Andreu Fontàs, Marc Fernandez, Alejandro Alfaro, Brandon Thomas Llamas, Javier Arizmendi</p>
<p align="justify">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> (4-3-3): Victor Valdes; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>, <span>Jordi Alba</span>; <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, <span>Cesc Fabregas</span>, Xavi Hernandez; Cristian Tello, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a></p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: Jose Manuel Pinto, <span>Martin Montoya</span>, <span>Marc Bartra</span>, <span>Alex Song</span>, Andres Iniesta, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro Rodriguez</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/11/11/3630886/la-liga-rcd-mallorca-vs-fc-barcelona-live-game-threadBostjan Cernensek2012-11-11T11:36:14+01:002012-11-11T11:36:14+01:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Mallorca: Predict the Score
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<figcaption>Jeff J Mitchell</figcaption>
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<p>Predict the score of tonight's La Liga clash between league leaders FC Barcelona and 15th place Real Mallorca</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Keen to erase the memories of Wednesday night's less than impressive performance, <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> face Real <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/mallorca" class="sbn-auto-link">Mallorca</a> this afternoon at the Iberostar as they take to the field in search of their tenth league win of the season. Should they register that tenth win of the season, then Barcelona would (momentarily at least) extend their lead over Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid and over their eternal rivals, <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid</a>. With both Madrid sides facing difficult opposition, who knows, maybe tonight will see the Catalans open up a larger gap at the top of the table? </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Whatever the case, Barcelona have to see off the challenge of Joaquin Caparros' Mallorca before they can turn their attentions to the chasing pack. Mallorca will be well-drilled and dangerous on the counter so if the defeat to Celtic is anything to go by, this could be a close-fought contest. Predict the score of tonight's match in our poll below, powered by the awesome folk over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wayin.com">Wayin</a>. To ensure that we have received confirmation of your vote, either comment with your prediction below or alternatively, sign up for a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wayin.com">Wayin </a>account. Best of luck!</p>
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<script src="http://www.wayin.com/enterprise/iframe/js/widgets.js" id="wayin-widget"></script><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/11/11/3630206/la-liga-rcd-mallorca-vs-fc-barcelona-predict-the-scoreArron Duckling2012-11-11T00:20:07+01:002012-11-11T00:20:07+01:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Mallorca: Match Preview
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<img alt="Mallorca were powerless to stop Real, losing 5-0. Will Barca be able to register a similar victory tomorrow?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u1MQs6r44iKzpAPb3SGsFmhXMGA=/4x0:3995x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3031669/154886074.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mallorca were powerless to stop Real, losing 5-0. Will Barca be able to register a similar victory tomorrow? | David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of Barcelona's La Liga encounter with Mallorca at the Iberostar. Will the Blaugrana be able to bounce back after Wednesday's surprise defeat against Celtic?</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> will look to return to winning ways tomorrow and put Wednesday’s defeat to Celtic firmly in the past when they travel to Real <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/mallorca">Mallorca</a> in Sunday’s early evening kick-off. Thanks to the odd start time, Barcelona can extend their lead at the top to six points and also move eleven points clear of <span>Jose Mourinho</span>’s <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/">Real Madrid</a>, who face a tricky trip to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/levante">Levante</a>. Who knows? With a plethora of injuries to contend with at a difficult venue, Los Blancos might falter – it’s up to <span>Tito Vilanova</span> to ensure that Barca do not.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Given the difficulties Barcelona faced on Wednesday, the Blaugrana will almost certainly be grateful to return to La Liga action where – for the most part – they have found life so straight-forward. Nine wins and a single draw; it’s not that Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid have been "poor" and that’s why they find themselves so far adrift, instead it’s that they simply cannot keep pace with the Catalans. Whether Barca are actually better off with Tito Vilanova in charge remains to be seen, but at current there can be no complaints on the results-front and making a leaf from the Madridista philosophy, sometimes it’s only the results that matter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>TEAM NEWS</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>BARCELONA</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Despite the defeat in midweek, it’s actually been a decent week for the Blaugrana – well in terms of injuries anyway. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol">Carles Puyol</a> has <a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/11/9/3622610/carles-puyol-is-a-beast" target="_blank">returned to training</a>, while everyone else is one week closer to a return. Gerard Piqué featured on Wednesday and as a result he may be in line for a start tomorrow, which would be a welcome boost to Barca’s depleted backline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">With regards to team selection for tomorrow’s match, Tito Vilanova doesn’t really have any major decisions to make – at least defensively. Victor Valdés will start in goal and it’s likely that Vilanova will stick with the same defense that started against Celtic. <span>Martin Montoya</span> is pushing for a starting berth ahead of either <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110098/dani-alves">Dani Alves</a> or <span>Jordi Alba</span>, especially after being named in Vicente Del Bosque’s Spain squad for Tuesday’s friendly with Panama. However, Montoya isn’t a natural left-back, and Dani Alves needs more game-time to rediscover his best form so I suspect Martin will have to sit out. Similarly, Piqué is pushing for a recall, but there is no real need to rush his comeback with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a>, <span>Marc Bartra</span> and, dare I say it, <span>Alex Song</span> willing and able to fill in.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In midfield, it’s a relief that <span>Sergio Busquets</span> is back to start at pivote. There’s a reason why Busi was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and the Celtic match gave us a glimpse of Busquets’ importance. Sure, Barcelona didn’t suffer in terms of possession, but they lacked so much in other departments. With Alba and Alves pushing forward on either flank, it was down to Alex Song to fill in as an auxiliary centre-half but (in my opinion) he failed miserably. Both Bartra and Mascherano had little in the way of support and Xavi also had to drop a little deeper to compensate for Busi’s absence. Whether that’s simply because Busquets is so good or whether it’s down to Alex Song’s inexperience I could not possibly say. Regardless, Busquets will start, most likely with Cesc Fàbregas in support. Barcelona missed Cesc on Wednesday; Fàbregas’ ability to play a slightly more direct style could have been the difference against such a well-drilled defense. Mallorca will probably try to follow Celtic’s lead so Cesc should be one of the first names on the teamsheet. However, who does Tito start alongside the former Arsenal captain? Andrés Iniesta was poor in midweek by his incredibly high standards, while Xavi wasn’t that much better. There’s nothing to indicate that was anything more than a one-off, so who does Tito think is better suited to face Mallorca? Personally, I would like to see Xavi start and sit out next Saturday’s match against Real <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/la-liga/teams/zaragoza">Zaragoza</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">In attack, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> will start so the only question is who he will have in support. The majority of Culés would love <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110874/david-villa">David Villa</a> to occupy one of those spots and thankfully El Guaje should start tomorrow. Alexis Sanchez could start on the right, as could Pedro. Maybe Cristian Tello is an outsider? It’s hard to tell, but at the moment I think the Chilean is going to get the nod, although I’m often wrong!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>REAL MALLORCA</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Currently languishing in 15<sup>th</sup> place, Mallorca are under-achieving this season although you can never quite count a Joaquin Caparros side out. Mallorca will be well-drilled, dangerous on the counter and perhaps most importantly, they will not be afraid of the Blaugrana. They have decent players across the board: from Dudu Aouate to reported Barca target Ximo Navarro to Blaugrana loanee <span>Andreu Fontas</span> and the free-scoring Tomer Hemed; Mallorca will cause Tito Vilanova’s side a few problems. Unfortunately former Barca starlet <span>Giovani dos Santos</span> is set to miss out through injury, and given that Mallorca are without a win in their last six matches, Barcelona will be quietly confident of securing all three points tomorrow evening.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>FORM GUIDE</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona: WWWWWL</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Mallorca: LLLLDL</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LAST MEETING</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">RCD Mallorca 0-2 FC Barcelona – 24<sup>th</sup> March 2012 – La Liga</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona – who were far from their best – overcame the dismissal of Thiago Alcântara to secure all three points at the Iberostar, with goals courtesy of Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LIKELY LINE-UPS</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés; Alves, Mascherano, Bartra, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Fàbregas; Sanchez, Messi, Villa</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Mallorca (4-2-3-1): Aouate; Navarro, Anderson, Geromel, Bigas; Fontas, Pina; Arizmendi, Victor, Nsue; Hemed</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>MATCH PREDICTION</b></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">After falling short in midweek, Barcelona will be keen to make a statement tomorrow evening and Mallorca – without a win in six – may find it hard to resist the Blaugrana. However, Barca’s performances away from home have not been entirely convincing and I think it could be a relatively close encounter. I’m going for a 2-0 away win</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2012/11/11/3628796/la-liga-rcd-mallorca-vs-fc-barcelona-match-previewArron Duckling