Ferran Torres capitalised on calamitous defending to put Barcelona ahead at Mallorca in his first start for almost two months in La Liga on Tuesday.
With Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman off his line and looking likely to collect the ball, defender Johan Mojica intervened in farcical fashion at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, recklessly blasting a clearance off a team-mate.
The rebound fell to the unmarked Torres inside the penalty area, whose shot took a touch off Roman on its way under his body and rolled into the back of the net in the 12th minute.
The shark IS BACK. 🦈🔥#MallorcaBarça pic.twitter.com/NWsTvKdL7P
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 3, 2024
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Muriqi goal brings Mallorca level
Lamine Yamal had an excellent chance to double Barca’s lead shortly afterwards when Raphinha found him in space inside the box.
The 17-year-old netted in a 4-0 win at Real Madrid on October 26 but spurned the chance to score his second goal in two domestic away games, shooting wide.
That miss became more painful when Vedat Muriqi levelled from close range two minutes before half-time, slotting in after Mallorca beat Barca’s offside trap just beyond the centre circle.
Kosovo striker Muriqi’s first goal in five appearances was Los Bermellones’ first attempt on target and boosted their hopes of a third consecutive win.
Jagoba Arrasate’s side came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 at home on Friday and had the chance to go fourth with victory.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLL 🏴☠️
PERO QUÉ CARRERA, PABLO#MallorcaBarça 1-1 pic.twitter.com/6WdNpoPrcv
— RCD Mallorca (@RCD_Mallorca) December 3, 2024
Torres returns from injury
Torres had missed eight games in the league and Champions League with a hamstring injury he sustained in the sixth minute of a 3-0 win at Alaves on October 6.
The Spain forward returned for a 33-minute substitute appearance in Barca’s previous league game, losing 2-1 at home to lowly Las Palmas on Saturday.
Despite the surprise result, Barcelona began their encounter with Mallorca knowing three points would move them four clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who will have two matches in hand.
The reigning champions, who are a point above third-placed Atletico Madrid, are at home to high-flying Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday (9pm GMT).
