Barcelona welcomed Real Mallorca to the Camp Nou on Saturday looking to regain their 13-point lead at the top of the La Liga table.
Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez both scored twice in the first period to leave a dominant Barcelona 4-0 ahead at the interval.
Fabregas grabbed his third and Barcelona's fifth in the early stages of the second half, but the biggest cheer of the evening arrived when Eric Abidal made his long-awaited comeback from illness in the latter stages.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final La Liga live commentary of the evening comes from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Mallorca. The home side currently top the table by 10 points with nine matches remaining, while Mallorca have dropped to 20th following Deportivo's win over Real Zaragoza, but they have won two of their last four matches in the league.
Mallorca will have to overcome the best home record in the league if they are to take something from this match, however, with the Catalan outfit winning 13 and drawing one of their 14 matches at this stadium this season. Mallorca’s away form will not fill them with too much confidence having suffered 10 defeats from their 15 matches on their travels.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won four of their last five matches, with the other ending in a draw. In fact, Barcelona have scored 14 goals in their last four matches against Mallorca, winning on each occasion. As mentioned, Barcelona were 5-0 winners in the corresponding match last season.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Bartra, Montoya; Iniesta, Song, Thiago; Sanchez, Fabregas, Tello
MALLORCA: Aouate; Hutton, Nunes, Kevin, Bigas; Tissone, Pina, Alfaro; Giovani, Nsue, Hemed
So there we have it. No Lionel Messi for the home side, with Cesc Fabregas starting through the middle, while there are also starts for Alex Song, Thiago and Martin Montoya. Mallorca, meanwhile, name an attacking team with Giovani dos Santos joined by Nsue and Tomer Hemed in the final third. The away side get the action underway at the Camp Nou.
It must be said that it is wonderful to see Tito Vilanova at the Camp Nou this evening as he continues to recover from cancer. Meanwhile, Eric Abidal has been named on the bench for this match. What an occasion it would be if he were given some playing time in the latter stages. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early stages.
It's good work from Alan Hutton as the Mallorca defender collects possession on the right before finding Giovani dos Santos, the Mexican turns before striking an effort towards goal, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. You do fear for Mallorca if they concede early this evening.
Again Giovani is involved for Mallorca as he floats a cross towards Hemed, the striker makes contact, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Really bright start from the away side as they continue to force the issue in wide areas. Tello has a half-chance down the other end, but he can only fire wide of the target from close range.
Mallorca continue to force the issue as Hemed dances past two challenges before feeding Nsue, but Pique is across to make the challenge at the final moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Tello and Iniesta both have efforts down the other end, but both are blocked by the Mallorca defence. Explosive opening eight minutes to this La Liga encounter.
Slight problem for Nsue as the Mallorca attacker is caught with a high challenge from Thiago, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue. It appears as if Manzano has told his side to go and attack this evening, rather than sit back and hope to nick something on the counter. It is a very refreshing approach, but also a very brave one.
Chance for Barcelona to test Aouate from distance as Alves stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Finally a chance for someone aside from Messi to take some set pieces for Barcelona this evening. Mallorca continue to force the issue on the counter, but Giovani is quelled by a fine challenge from Montoya down the right.
It's really smart work from the home side as Alves drives down the right before firing a low cross into the box, but Hutton us across to make the challenge at the final moment. Sanchez is involved moments later as he tests the legs of Kevin, but Aouate comes out to collect the danger. Pinto is then called into action down the other end moments later to deal with a short back-pass from Pique.
Well, Mallorca have to be pleased with the opening 16 minutes at the Camp Nou. Barcelona have had more of the ball, but the away side have more than held their own in terms of attacking pressure. However, the home side have just started to lift the tempo in the last few moments. Still no goals or real chances in Catalonia.
Another half-chance for the home side as Sanchez collects possession in the box before firing a low cross towards Fabregas, but Kevin is on hand to clear the danger. Sanchez threatens in behind moments later, but once more Aouate is quick off his line. Strange atmosphere inside the stadium, almost like a pre-season fixture.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in possession of the ball. Mallorca threaten once more as Hutton drives into the box before delivering a ball towards Nsue, but Pinto was on hand to claim the danger. Mallorca have arguably had the better of it in the opening 20 minutes of football.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca (Fabregas)
What a delightful goal. Barcelona take the lead with 20 minutes on the clock as Fabregas combines with Sanchez before sweeping a low effort into the bottom corner. Wonderful finish from the Spaniard, who has taken the 'Messi role' in the team this evening.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Mallorca (Sanchez)
Well, that is game over then. Barcelona have their second of the match within a minute as Sanchez is first to react to a loose save from Aouate to tap home from close range. Mallorca had been impressive in the early stages, but they now trial 2-0.
You fear for the away side if Barcelona do score a couple more goals before the interval. Just a reminder that Mallorca have now dropped to the bottom of the table following Deportivo's 3-2 win over Real Zaragoza earlier this evening. The home side are in complete control with just about 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
Mallorca want a penalty as Pique appears to handle in the box, but the referee is simply not interested. You always get the feeling that Barcelona will concede. Mallorca just need to keep their heads and not concede another goal before the interval. Another strike for the home side and it truly is game, set and match.
Half-chance for the home side as Tello strikes an effort from distance, but it was always rising over the crossbar. Another opportunity follows moments later as Iniesta drives into the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Aouate is down to make a really bright save.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the home side comfortable in possession of the ball. It is almost as if Barcelona are playing this match in first gear let alone second. It shows the strength of their squad when they can rest the likes of David Villa, Xavi and Sergio Busquets and still name a team full of internationals.
Mallorca's willingness to attack is almost their undoing as Alves drives down the right before whipping a wicked cross into the box, but Hutton just manages to clear. Another opportunity arrives as Sanchez beat his marker in the box, but somehow Nunes manages to make a last-ditch challenge. That really should have been 3-0.
Another half-chance for the home side as Fabregas collects possession outside the box before dancing round two players, but Kevin just manages to clear at the vital moment. Half-chance for Mallorca down the other end as Nsue thumps an effort from close range, but it just moves wide of the post.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to pull one back as Hutton finds Alfaro in the box, but the striker can only fire his header wide of the target. He simply has to score from that area. Mallorca just need the one goal to back in this match. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Mallorca (Fabregas)
Again it's wonderful play between Sanchez and Fabregas as the former finds the Spaniard in the box, who simply rolls his effort into the back of the net. This match is over with 38 minutes on the clock.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Mallorca (Sanchez)
Sanchez has his second of the match as the Chilean collects possession from Fabregas before rolling his effort into the back of the net from close range. It is the Sanchez and Fabregas show this evening. Wonderful combination.
Lionel Messi who?! Mallorca have been utterly dominated in this first half of football. Barcelona come close once more as Alves drives a low cross into the box, but Nunes is across to make a vital challenge. The away side really need the half-time whistle.
The Mexican wave is moving around the stadium at the moment, which usually means one of two things. Either the match is boring, or the match is over as a contest. It is the latter. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 4-0 Mallorca
Well, Tito Vilanova made seven changes from the Champions League clash with PSG last week, but some things never change. It has been the Sanchez and Fabregas show in the first period with each grabbing a brace to leave the Catalan outfit 4-0 ahead at the interval.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have dominated the possession with 73%, while they have had 11 attempts to Mallorca's five. The away side started the match full of confidence and attacking intent, but they have been simply pulled apart in defence.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have an embarrassment of riches on the bench with the likes of David Villa, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joined by the returning Abidal. Mallorca, meanwhile, do have options in the shape of Jose Marti and Victor. It remains to be seen whether Manzano is preparing changes at the break.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. As it stands, Barcelona will move 13 points clear at the top of the table, while Mallorca will remain rooted to the bottom. The home side get the half underway.
GOAL! Barcelona 5-0 Mallorca (Fabregas)
Fabregas scores his third of the match - his first hat-trick for the club - as he collects a pass from Iniesta before finishing into the bottom corner from close range. Mallorca have now conceded 63 goals this season, which is the same as Deportivo. They are in real trouble here.
How do Mallorca approach the second period? Do they attempt to keep the score down? Or attempt to score a couple of goals themselves? Excuse me, there was indeed a change for the away side at the interval with Nsue replaces by Arizmendi. Half-chance for Giovani as he drives into the Barcelona box, but it is deflected for a corner.
Mallorca just appear to be playing a different sport this evening as they continue to hand the ball back to their hosts. Another half-chance arrives for Barcelona as Fabregas combines with Montoya before collecting possession in the box, but the danger is cleared. Meanwhile, the home side make an early change as Jonathan dos Santos replaces Iniesta.
The resulting corner causes problems in the Mallorca box, but Aouate just manages to claim under pressure from Pique. Giovani attempts to force the issue down the other end as he embarks on a mazy run, but he simply runs out of room. As a contest, this match ended as soon as the second goal went in from Barcelona.
It is matches such as this that you see the gap between the best team in the division and the worst. Barcelona want a penalty as Hutton appears to handle in the box, but the referee is not interested. Meanwhile, the captain's armband has been handed to Pinto for the remaining 35 minutes or so, with Iniesta departing the field.
Mallorca have the ball in the back of the net as Alfaro finishes from close range, but the offside flag had been raised. It was close, but the linesman just about made the correct decision. Slightly better from the away side in the last couple of moments, but you get the feeling that Barcelona will still score a few more goals.
The biggest cheer of the night erupts as Abidal warms up on the side of the pitch. Forget the five goals this evening, if the Frenchman does indeed make an appearance, it will be the most noise that has been made in some time. I suspect that we will indeed see the left-back at some point. Barcelona still have two changes remaining with 30 minutes to play at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for Tello to add his side's sixth of the match as he cuts inside Hutton before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post at the final moment. The home supporters are having a real party inside the stadium at the moment. For Mallorca, they will want to get this match over and done with as soon as possible.
It's good work from Giovani as the Mexican evades two challenges before driving a low cross into the box, but Pinto is on hand to make the save. A half-chance arrives down the other end as Fabregas combines with Alves, but the Brazilian's cross is too long for Tello. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Pique comes close to getting in on the act as he drives forward before finding Tello on the left, the Spaniard picks out the big defender in the box, but he can only head over the crossbar. In fairness to Mallorca, they have not stopped running for one moment this evening.
Pique is on free kick duty moments later as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the match as Fabregas is replaced by Gerard Deulofeu, who is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Spain.
Pass, pass, pass from the home side as they continue to keep hold of the possession in the Mallorca half. Alfaro is involved down the other end moments later as he collects a pass from Hutton before driving a cross into the box, but there are no takers. Abidal will soon join us on the field. It is going to be a special moment.
The change is indeed made as Abidal comes onto the field to replace Pique. Easily the biggest cheer of the evening as the entire stadium rises to its feet. What a truly fantastic moment. This is what it is all about. He has 20 minutes to make his mark in this match.
Mallorca also make a change as Javi Marquez replaces Hemed, who has been starved of service this evening. Abidal's first touch brings cheering from both sets of supporters. Although his first pass is cut out by Tissone. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes with both sides keeping hold of the possession. Just a reminder that Mallorca have dropped to the bottom of the table following Deportivo's win over Zaragoza earlier. Mallorca simply have to recover from this result, and quickly.
It's good work from Deulofeu as the Spaniard dances past two defenders before firing a low cross into the box, but Hutton is on hand to make the clearance. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Sanchez, but Alves can only thump his effort high and wide of the crossbar.
Again Deulofeu is involved for Barcelona as he drives down the right before cutting a pass towards Alves, but once more the Brazilian can only fire his effort wide of the post. A good passing sequence allows Mallorca a shooting chance down the other end, but Alfaro's effort is wide of the post.
Decent spell for Mallorca in the last few minutes as they force two corners in quick succession, but the first is palmed over by Pinto before the Spaniard comes to claim the second. In truth, the chances have dried up in the second period. That is the problem with Barcelona now focusing on Champions League matters next week.
It is almost like a training match at the moment as Barcelona continue to keep hold of possession in the Mallorca half. In fairness to the away side, you cannot question their commitment to the cause. There have been no signs of feeling sorry for themselves, but they have been utterly dominated this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Tello combines with Sanchez before darting into the box, but once more Jose Nunes is across to make the challenge. Barcelona will pick up the points this evening, but the main story will be the return of Abidal and Vilanova. Meanwhile, Sanchez has decided to leave the pitch as he nurses a knock.
Only Barcelona would remove one of their players in the latter stages having made all three changes. Abidal finally gets involved in an attacking sense as he combines with Tello down the left, but Jose Nunes is across to clear the danger. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.
Not the most entertaining of second periods that you will ever see, with all the damage coming in the first period. Barcelona have been able to hand some much-needed playing time to a number of their squad players this evening. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 5-0 Mallorca
So there we have it. Barcelona score five unanswered goals to move 13 points clear at the top of the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to look out for our analysis, which will be on the site shortly. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
