In the vibrant world of La Liga, where every match is a spectacle, Barcelona is set to clash with RCD Mallorca on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the iconic Iberostar Stadium in Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
This much-anticipated matchup promises an exhilarating display of football prowess that fans won’t want to miss. To ensure you catch all the action, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
Match Details
What: La Liga
Who: Barcelona vs. RCD Mallorca
When: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Where: Iberostar Stadium
TV: ESPN Deportes
Channel finder: Verizon Fios, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling
Recent Highlights
In a recent thrilling encounter on the La Liga stage, Barcelona exhibited sheer resilience and determination. Robert Lewandowski, the Polish powerhouse, delivered a spectacular performance, netting two late goals. João Cancelo, the Portuguese sensation, stole the show with an 89th-minute winner, propelling Barcelona to a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory against Celta Vigo at their home turf.
The match seemed to be slipping away from Barcelona’s grasp when they trailed 2-0. However, Lewandowski’s clinical strike in the 81st minute breathed new life into the game. Cancelo then played a pivotal role, setting up Lewandowski for the equalizer in the 85th minute. Finally, he completed the comeback by making a stunning run through Celta Vigo’s defense and guiding the ball home.
Barcelona’s coach, Xavi Hernández, expressed his admiration for the team’s grit and determination, stating, “It was a great fightback. It is true we were disorganized at times and didn’t make the ball flow like in other games, but the team won in faith and courage.”
League Standings
Barcelona’s victory has elevated them to the top of the La Liga table, sharing the position with the surprising Girona. Both teams have amassed an equal number of points, setting the stage for an intense battle for supremacy. Real Madrid is closely trailing just one point behind, making the league even more competitive. The upcoming matches promise to be a treat for football enthusiasts.
Celta Vigo’s Effort
Celta Vigo’s Jorgen Strand Larsen opened the scoring in the 19th minute, setting the stage for a riveting contest. Substitute Anastasios Douvikas doubled the lead, making it 2-0 in the 76th minute, and Celta’s five-man defense seemed impenetrable—until the final moments.
João Cancelo, who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester City, proved to be the game-changer. His versatility as a right-back and his pivotal role in the comeback emphasized his immediate impact on the team. After Lewandowski’s goal, Cancelo played a midfield role, providing the crucial assist for the equalizer.
Lessons from the Match
Cancelo’s post-match reflection on his performance highlights the importance of resilience in football. Despite making mistakes and enduring a challenging game, he remained focused until the end. As he put it, “We didn’t play well, and Celta did well defending its area. But it is always better to play poorly and win than to play well and lose.”
Additionally, the arrival of João Félix, who set up Lewandowski’s first goal, has added depth to Barcelona’s attacking lineup. His impact, along with Cancelo’s, underscores the significance of strategic transfers in modern football.
Benítez’s Challenge
For Rafa Benítez, Celta’s coach, this defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Taking charge of Celta this summer marked his return to coaching in Spain after a hiatus since his stint with Real Madrid in 2015. However, the team has only managed one win in six games under his leadership. Benítez expressed his frustration, saying, “I think we played well for most of the game, but in that final stretch I have the feeling their last two goals were preventable.”
Barcelona’s Injury Woes
Barcelona faced another setback during the match as midfielder Frenkie de Jong left the field due to injury near the end of the first half. Gavi replaced him, and coach Xavi confirmed that De Jong would undergo tests to determine the extent of the injury, adding a layer of uncertainty to the team’s future matches.
Girona’s Impressive Streak
In the backdrop of Barcelona’s dramatic victory, Girona is emerging as the season’s revelation. The modest team, partially owned by Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi ownership, has secured five consecutive wins after an initial draw. Their recent 5-3 win against Mallorca showcases their offensive prowess, with nine goals scored in their last two games.
Coach Míchel Sánchez praised his team’s performance, stating, “Winning five in a row in the first division is not an easy task.” Girona’s success extends beyond results; it’s about their clear vision and competent execution on the field.
Other La Liga Highlights
Mallorca, the early leaders through Vedat Muriqi’s fourth-minute penalty, faced a formidable Girona comeback. Goals by David López, Artem Dovbyk, Iván Martín, Yangel Herrera, and Sávio demonstrated Girona’s attacking prowess. Though Ábdon Prats reduced the deficit for Mallorca with a late brace, the match belonged to Girona.
In other matches, Almeria’s Sergio Arribas scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Valencia, while Sevilla settled for a goalless draw against Osasuna.
Conclusion
The La Liga clash between Barcelona and RCD Mallorca promises an enthralling showdown between two formidable teams. Barcelona’s recent triumph over Celta Vigo has added to the intrigue, as they now share the top spot with Girona. Meanwhile, Mallorca looks to bounce back after their defeat to Girona. Football enthusiasts can expect a thrilling match full of surprises and outstanding performances.
Don’t miss this high-stakes encounter on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. in the picturesque Iberostar Stadium. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this match is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
FAQs
1. How can I watch the Barcelona vs. RCD Mallorca match?
You can catch the action on ESPN Deportes or stream it via a free trial of fuboTV, which carries ESPN Deportes, or with a subscription to ESPN+.