By Atufa 
As the 2024-2025 La Liga season unfolds, one of the most anticipated matchups for FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca fans is the contest between these two sides. FC Barcelona, a historically dominant force in Spanish football, faces RCD Mallorca, a resilient and competitive club from the island of Mallorca. In this article, we will explore the confirmed lineups, tactics, and key players to watch for both teams in their latest meeting. This in-depth analysis will also answer many frequently asked questions that fans and football enthusiasts typically search for, including questions related to formations, player performances, injuries, and much more.
FC Barcelona’s Current Squad and Key Players
FC Barcelona’s Tactical Approach
Barcelona, under the guidance of their head coach Hansi Flick, has undergone significant tactical changes. The club is transitioning into a new era with a squad that blends youth and experience. Barcelona typically plays with a 4-3-3 formation, relying heavily on their midfield dominance and width in attack. With a mix of skillful wingers and versatile midfielders, Barcelona’s style is fluid, focusing on fast transitions and possession-based football.
Starting XI Against Mallorca
The latest matchup between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca, which took place on December 3, 2024, saw the following players in the starting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Iñaki Peña – Taking over from Marc-André ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña is proving to be a capable understudy in goal, stepping up whenever needed.
Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, and Alejandro Balde – Koundé and Martínez are the anchors of Barcelona’s defense, while Balde and Cubarsí provide width and support in attack.
Midfielders: Casadó and Pedri – These two midfielders bring creativity, balance, and stability to Barcelona’s midfield. Pedri is especially known for his dribbling and vision.
Forwards: Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal – Barcelona’s attacking setup relies heavily on the dynamic runs of Yamal and the creativity of Olmo, while Torres and Raphinha are responsible for finishing chances.
Barcelona’s squad also features players like Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Robert Lewandowski, who were included on the bench for this particular match.
RCD Mallorca’s Current Squad and Key Players
Mallorca’s Tactical Setup
RCD Mallorca, despite being considered an underdog in the La Liga standings, have developed a tactical setup that has allowed them to remain competitive. The team tends to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on their midfield’s creativity and discipline. Mallorca’s defense is robust, while their attack revolves around the skillful and physical presence of striker Vedat Muriqi. They are known for their compact defensive structure, often inviting pressure from their opponents and looking to counter quickly.
Starting XI Against Barcelona
In their encounter with FC Barcelona, RCD Mallorca started with the following lineup:
Goalkeeper: Rajkovic – The Serbian goalkeeper has been a steady figure between the posts for Mallorca, providing crucial saves in big moments.
Defenders: Maffeo, Raillo, Valjent, and Mojica – Mallorca’s backline is well-organized, with Raillo and Valjent offering solidity at the center. Maffeo and Mojica provide width and defensive stability.
Midfielders: Samu Costa, Morlanes, and Darder – This midfield trio is dynamic, with Costa and Morlanes handling the defensive duties, while Darder is the creative spark in the center.
Forwards: Sanchez, Valery, and Vedat Muriqi – The attacking responsibility falls on Muriqi, who is known for his aerial ability and physicality. Valery and Sanchez offer pace and technical skills on the flanks.
Key Tactical Considerations
Barcelona’s Tactical Focus
For Barcelona, much of the focus against Mallorca was on controlling possession and creating width in attack. With the attacking flair of players like Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, Barcelona sought to exploit the space on the wings. Pedri’s ability to orchestrate from midfield also played a pivotal role in unlocking Mallorca’s defense.
Additionally, Barcelona’s defense, while solid with Koundé and Martínez, has been vulnerable at times, and Mallorca would likely have targeted these areas. With a compact setup, Mallorca would have looked to frustrate Barcelona and capitalize on counter-attacks.
Mallorca’s Strategy
Mallorca, under their head coach, employed a disciplined defensive structure, hoping to keep Barcelona at bay with tight pressing and solid positioning. The team’s counter-attacks were a key strategy, as they looked to break quickly and use the physicality of Muriqi to challenge Barcelona’s backline. Darder’s creativity and ability to dictate play from midfield was another aspect of Mallorca’s tactical approach, and they sought to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm with quick transitions.
Robert Lewandowski’s Bench Role
A notable feature of Barcelona’s lineup against Mallorca was the absence of Robert Lewandowski from the starting eleven. This marked the first time this season that the Polish striker had been benched, and it raised several questions among fans. Coach Hansi Flick made the decision to rotate his squad, and it is believed that Lewandowski’s absence was part of a broader strategy to keep the squad fresh for upcoming matches. Despite his stellar performances in the past, Lewandowski’s benching allowed Barcelona to field a more fluid attacking setup with players like Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal leading the charge.
FAQs
Why is Robert Lewandowski on the bench for this match?
In the game against Mallorca, Robert Lewandowski was notably left on the bench, marking the first time this season he has not started a match. Coach Hansi Flick decided to rotate his squad, with Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal being given the starting roles upfront.
How has FC Barcelona been performing recently?
FC Barcelona has been facing some challenges in La Liga, with a mixed set of results including two defeats and a draw in the last three matches leading up to the Mallorca fixture. This has put them under pressure in the title race, as both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have been closing the gap.
Who are the key players to watch from both teams?
For FC Barcelona, the spotlight is on young talent Lamine Yamal, who has been in great form. Dani Olmo and Raphinha also remain crucial in the attack. On the defensive side, Koundé and Martínez are integral in maintaining solidity at the back. For Mallorca, much of the offensive responsibility rests on Vedat Muriqi, with Darder and Sanchez offering creativity in midfield.
What tactical formations are both teams using?
FC Barcelona lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Casadó and Pedri anchoring the midfield. Lamine Yamal, Olmo, and Raphinha formed a potent attacking trio. Mallorca, on the other hand, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a strong midfield presence with Samu Costa and Morlanes behind the attacking trio.
How does this lineup affect Barcelona’s performance?
With Lewandowski on the bench, Barcelona’s attack had a different dynamic. Torres and Yamal provided pace and skill, while Olmo added creativity. However, Barcelona’s results in this period have been underwhelming, indicating that despite a talented squad, consistency remains a challenge.
In Summary
The FC Barcelona vs RCD Mallorca match is crucial for both teams, with Barcelona hoping to get back on track in La Liga after a series of disappointing results. The tactical adjustments, such as Lewandowski’s absence from the starting lineup, have shown a shift in strategy. Mallorca, on the other hand, will be looking to exploit Barcelona’s defensive weaknesses while relying on key players like Muriqi to provide the attacking spark. Fans can expect a closely contested match with important implications for both teams’ league positions.
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