FC Barcelona welcomes RCD Mallorca on Monday at the Olílpic Lluís Companys in a match corresponding to Day 33 of LaLiga EA Sports. A crucial encounter for Hansi Flick, who seek to maintain pressure on Real Madrid in the final stretch of the championship. For its part, the Balearic team, directed by Jagoba Arrasate, needs to add to continue aspiring to a European square.
Lewandowski, outside: Flick values options in attack
The great absence of the game will be that of Robert Lewandowski, low by muscle injury. The Polish striker will not be available for at least two weeks, which will leave him out of this match, of the final of the Copa del Rey and the first leg of the Champions Semifinals against Inter Milan. His presence for the return is still an unknown.
Hansi Flick was clear at a press conference: “We do not want to get ahead of the deadlines. When ready, we will receive it with open arms, but there is no marked date.”
Given this situation, the German coach Sopesa two main alternatives. The first, to give ownership to Ferran Torres, who already adds 17 goals this season and has demonstrated efficacy in high demand matches. The second option is to locate Dani Olmo as false 9, a variant that Flick already considered since his arrival on the bench Culé.
Mallorca arrives decimated but with ambition
The Mallorca faces this visit with numerous casualties and the accumulated fatigue after a series of demanding matches. Six players are low confirmed: Muriqi, Robert Navarro, Asano, Morlanes, Maffeo and Dani Rodríguez. Jagoba Arrasate is aware of the difficulty of the challenge: “We need a perfect match to win in a stadium like this,” he said.
The Balearic coach anticipated changes in the initial eleven with respect to the last game, forced by the absences and physical wear of the group. On the Montjuïc stage, he did not hesitate to qualify it as a challenge: “It is never a good time to visit this type of stadiums. To get something you have to touch defensive perfection and make the most of every occasion.”
Possible alignments and competitive context
Barça faces the duel with the mind set on several fronts: the Copa del Rey and the Champions League appear on the horizon, so Flick could choose to give rest to some key pieces. With Lewandowski outside and players loaded with minutes, the rotation seems inevitable.
For its part, Mallorca must pull the closet bottom. Rasto trusts that your team maintain competitiveness despite the absences, adjusting your scheme to reinforce defensive strength and go to the backlash.
Montjuïc, pressure scenario
With the title still at stake, Barça is obliged to add three to continue in the fight. Any stumbling block could be definitive, taking into account the rhythm of Real Madrid at the top of the table. Lewandowski’s decline and the lack of offensive clarity add pressure to a team that will also have to dosing before the demanding calendar that awaits you.
The Mallorca, with nothing to lose and much to win, will seek to surprise in one of the most complex fields of the competition. The duel promises emotions and an interesting tactical reading, with two coaches who will have to improvise on the march due to the circumstances.