Barcelona’s unbeaten run in La Liga was extended to seven games, but they dropped two points in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Mallorca on Tuesday night. The visitors twice came from behind to level the score, but were denied a late penalty by VAR that could have given them the victory.
Mallorca strike early and late in the first half
Mallorca took a shock lead in the ninth minute when Vedat Muriqi pounced on a terrible pass by Marc-Andre ter Stegen in his own area and tapped in from close range. The hosts defended well and frustrated Barca, who struggled to create clear chances despite having most of the possession.
Barca finally found an equalizer in the 40th minute when Raphinha cut inside from the right and fired a low shot into the bottom corner. The Brazilian winger was Barca’s most dangerous player in the first half, and he missed a great opportunity to put his team ahead just before the break.
However, Mallorca stunned Barca again in stoppage time when Muriqi flicked on a long ball and Abdón Prats beat Ronald Araujo to the ball and slotted past Ter Stegen. The goal gave Mallorca a 2-1 lead at halftime and left Barca with a lot of work to do in the second half.
Barca improve after the break and level again
Barca came out with more intensity and urgency in the second half, and they had several chances to equalize. Joao Felix had a shot saved by Predrag Rajkovic, while Robert Lewandowski headed over from a corner. Ferran Torres also had a couple of attempts, but he was denied by Rajkovic and the post.
Barca finally got their second goal in the 74th minute when Fermin Lopez Marin scored with a header from a cross by Lamine Yamal Nasraqui Ebana. The young striker, who came on as a substitute for Oriol Romeu, made an instant impact and celebrated his first La Liga goal.
VAR denies Barca a late penalty
Barca pushed for a winner in the final minutes, and they thought they had a chance to get it when Yamal was brought down by Matija Nastasic in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, but VAR intervened and overturned the decision, ruling that Yamal was offside in the build-up.
The decision sparked protests from Barca players and coach Xavi, who felt that Yamal was level with Nastasic when he received the pass from Lewandowski. However, VAR confirmed that Yamal was marginally offside and the penalty was cancelled.
The game ended 2-2, with both teams sharing the points. Barca remained at the top of the table with 17 points, one ahead of Girona and Real Madrid, who both have a game in hand. Mallorca moved up to 16th place with six points, three above the relegation zone.
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