Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca: Lamine Yamal strike earns Barca narrow win and moves them up to second

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal scored a fine late goal to secure a hard-fought 1-0 home win over tenacious Mallorca on Friday, bringing them within five points of leaders Real Madrid.

The win propelled the hosts to second place on 61 points, two ahead of Girona, as they closed in on Real, who face struggling Celta Vigo on Sunday.

"Effectiveness is what made this a tough game for us. They did a very good job. It was hard for us," Barca boss Xavi Hernandez said.

"We competed well, we created clear chances to win more than 1-0. But we've won, the three points are welcome".

Yamal, 16, gave Barcelona the lead in the 73rd minute with a brilliant curling shot into the top left corner from the edge of the area, his fourth league goal of the season.

"I'm very happy for the win and the clean sheet. I tried to hold the full back and as they left me some space I looked for the shot," Yamal told DAZN.

"It was a game of hard work. They made it difficult for us. Anything that helps the team is great for me. Scoring a goal with our fans in front of us is always a dream."

Ilkay Gundogan could have put Barcelona ahead in the 24th minute with a penalty following a VAR review of a challenge on Raphinha. However, Mallorca goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic dived to his left to stop the German international.

Copa del Rey Finalists Mallorca were dangerous on the break, creating several opportunities but failing to finish. They remain in 15th place with 27 points, eight clear of the relegation zone.

Xavi, who had lost midfielders Frenkie De Jong and Pedri to injury in the previous game, was forced to replace Raphinha in the 37th minute after a foul on the Brazilian forward.

However, the manager stated that the right winger is not seriously injured and will be available when they host Napoli in the Champions League last 16 second leg on Tuesday, with the game tied at 1-1.

"Everyone who was in the squad today will be there against Napoli," he said. "I'm always optimistic despite the situation we're in. This victory gives us confidence. It doesn't seem like it's important but it is. We need the fans for Tuesday's game."

SportsLigue