'World class' Lewandowski on target as Barcelona beat Mallorca to move top of La Liga

Xavi Hernandez described Robert Lewandowski as "maybe the best striker in the world" after the Pole extended his prolific start to life at Barcelona with the only goal in Saturday's win at Mallorca.

Lewandowski, who joined Barca from Bayern Munich in the summer, became the first player to score in six consecutive La Liga weeks since Ruud van Nistelrooy with Real Madrid in the 2006-07 season when he struck in the 20th minute at Son Moix.

It was the Pole's ninth goal of the season, and eighth in the league. No player has scored eight goals in his first seven La Liga games since Christian Vieri with Atletico Madrid in 1997.

“Lewandowski is a top player, a world-class scorer. Maybe the best striker in the world,” Barcelona manager Xavi said.

While the result maintained Barca's unbeaten start to the league season, hosts Mallorca were the better side for much of the match, creating several good opportunities but goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen was flawless, making brilliant saves to deny Jaume Costa, Antonio Sanchez and Kang-In Lee.

Barcelona, however, made the most of what was their only clear scoring opportunity thanks to the genius of Lewandowski, who secured the victory when he sped into the area, made a brilliant cut inside to clear a defender and slotted the ball to the goalkeeper's left.

The win lifted Barca to the top of the table on 19 points, one ahead of Real Madrid who have a game in hand and host Osasuna on Sunday aiming to restore their lead. Mallorca are 10th in the standings on eight points after seven games.

Xavi a major selection headache for his matchday squad after several key players reported back from international duty nursing injuries.

He gave teenager Ansu Fati his second start of the season and his