Barcelona on Tuesday evaded a narrow defeat at the Iberostar Stadium as they were able to fight a valiant Real Mallorca side to a 2-2 draw following a match-saving goal by Fermin Lopez late in the second half. Trailing by a 2-1 scoreline in the second half, 20-year-old Lopez scored the much-needed equalizer for Barcelona in the 75th minute to deny the hosts a stunning victory.
Mallorca, who had a solid start to the game, took the early lead against Barca in the 8th minute when Vedat Muriqi scored the opening goal, finishing off Antonio Sanchez’s cut-back after Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen gave the ball away in his own box with a poor pass.
Barcelona shifted gears following the early blow with Raphinha taking charge and constantly attacking the Mallorca defense. Joao Felix and Torres narrowly failed to reach dangerous Raphinha crosses, before the Brazilian winger took things into his own hands, drilling home from outside the area to score the equalizer for Barca in the 41st minute.
However, Barcelona’s celebrations were short-lived as they gave away their lead just a few minutes later. With 4 minutes added as extra time, Abdon Prats doubled the lead for Mallorca in stoppage time, running into a flick-on from a goal kick and sliding an effort past the onrushing Ter Stegen. The first half ended with Real Mallorca leading 2-1!
Barcelona started the second half at a quicker pace and veteran striker Lewandowski was soon sent onto the field. The youngster duo of Lopez and Lamine Yamal made a swift impact, with Yamal tumbling in the box under a challenge from Jose Copete, although no penalty was given.
The Mallorcan boys displayed some resolute defense work throughout the second half to restrict Barcelona from getting the equalizer, but Fermin Lopez managed to break through and score the second goal for his side, bringing Barca back into the match at 75 minutes. The 20-year-old was fed the sweet spot after Yamal fed Raphinha, who cut the ball back for Lopez to smash the ball in to draw the match.
The draw did ensure Barcelona maintained their lead in the La Liga rankings, even though the champions dropped two points. They are now placed at the top spot with 17 points from 7 games, followed by Girona and Real Madrid taking the second and third spots. Real Mallorca on the other hand is now 15th in the standings with just 6 points from 7 games.
