Pedri Steals the Show with Brilliant First Touch in Barcelona Win

• Pedri’s sublime skills lit up Barcelona’s clash with Mallorca at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Tuesday night
• After receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Iñigo Martínez, the midfielder showed off his flawless first touch and vision with effortless control
• The night got even better for Barça as Dani Olmo found the net early in the second half to secure a narrow 1-0 win

Barcelona edged past Mallorca with a 1-0 victory on Tuesday night, stretching their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points ahead of rivals Real Madrid.

The match, played at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, was part of a busy week for the Catalan giants as they prepare for the Copa del Rey final.

Flick rotates ahead of Copa del Rey final

With Saturday’s high-stakes clash against Real Madrid looming, manager Hansi Flick opted for a rotated squad, handing Ansu Fati his first start since October.

Despite fielding a less familiar XI, Barcelona dominated the first half, producing 24 shots.

However, Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman put in a sensational performance to keep the hosts at bay.

Olmo breaks the deadlock

The breakthrough finally came just moments into the second half.

Dani Olmo continued his fine form by scoring for the second consecutive match, giving Barça a crucial advantage and ultimately sealing the three points.

Pedri’s magical moment

Among the standout moments of the match was a piece of sheer brilliance from Pedri.

The young midfielder left fans in awe with his exceptional ball control after receiving a sharp pass from Iñigo Martínez.

Pedri’s first touch and composure under pressure quickly went viral online, showcasing the 21-year-old’s unique talent.

Deservedly, Pedri was named Man of the Match for his creative influence and control in midfield.

Pedri sets new La Liga record

Pedri set a new La Liga record during the match, surpassing the mark he had established just three days earlier.

In the game against Celta Vigo, he won possession 17 times — a league-high at the time.

He topped that performance against RCD Mallorca, reclaiming the record with an incredible 18 ball recoveries.

There’s been a lot of buzz this season around Raphinha and Lamine Yamal as potential Ballon d’Or contenders, but with performances like this, Pedri is making a strong case of his own.

Barcelona now shifts focus to Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.

Meanwhile, Mallorca aim to bounce back in their European push when they face Girona on May 5.

Title contenders Real Madrid will look to close the gap in La Liga as they face Getafe on Wednesday before El Clásico.

Cubarsí’s Ballon d’Or selection

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí was asked to choose between teammates Raphinha and Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or.

Despite his close bond with Yamal, he named Raphinha as the most deserving based on this season’s performances.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh