Superb Yamal strike hands Barcelona 1-0 win over Mallorca

BARCELONA : Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal struck a fine goal to secure a hard-fought 1-0 home win against a dangerous Mallorca side on Friday to move within five points of leaders Real Madrid.

The victory put the hosts provisionally in second place on 61 points, two clear of Girona, as they closed in on Real, who host struggling Celta Vigo on Sunday.

The 16-year-old Yamal gave Barca the lead in the 73rd minute with a brilliant curling shot into the top left-hand corner for his fourth league goal this season.

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

Barca boss Xavi Hernandez, who lost midfielders Frenkie De Jong and Pedri to injury in the last game, was forced to take off Raphinha in the 37th after a foul on the Brazilian forward.

The Catalans next host Napoli in their Champions League last 16-second leg on Tuesday, with the game level at 1-1.