Barcelona maintained their undefeated streak this season, however, they missed out on securing the top spot in La Liga after an eventful 2-2 draw against Mallorca.
In the first 10 minutes of the match, Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen made a costly mistake by failing to clear the ball from Barça's box, allowing Vedat Muriqi to score the opening goal for Mallorca.
Soccer Football - Women's Finalissima - England v Brazil - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - April 6, 2023
England's Leah Williamson dons a purple wristband to show solidarity with Canada's women's national football team in their pursuit of gender equality with the men's national team (Molly Darlington/Reuters).
Leah Williamson, Arsenal and England star, believes that a fallout similar to Spains was bound to happen in womens soccer. Raphinhas remarkable goal from outside the box restored equality in the game just before halftime, but both the Brazilian winger and João Félix failed to convert golden opportunities that could have given the Blaugrana the lead.
In added time, Mallorca achieved the next goal when Muriqi's header enabled Abdón Prats to successfully shoot past ter Stegen. Felix hit the post 10 minutes into the second half while Barça was pressing for an equalizer. Additionally, the visiting team had a penalty decision overturned after substitute Lamine Yamal fell in the box.
Fermin López scored his first goal for the club, equalizing the match at 2-2 after Robert Lewandowski left Raphinha's pass. Despite having 15 minutes left, neither team was able to secure a victory, resulting in a draw. This was the first time in 11 previous encounters that Barcelona did not emerge victorious against Mallorca.
Barcelona's Jules Koundé dribbles with the ball against Mallorca.
Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The result means that either Girona or Real Madrid, both of whom play on Wednesday, could go top of La Liga with a win.
"We were too generous," commented Barcelona coach Xavi following the match. "We committed uncharacteristic errors... Although we had opportunities, it was an arduous battle to get back into the game.
"We had ample chances that would have typically secured victory, but two of our own blunders resulted in the loss."
Barça next faces Sevilla on Friday, while Mallorca, still with only one win in the league this season, plays Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
