Marc Bernal and the unforgettable moments: the immediate highlights of Barça-Mallorca

BarcelonaAfter a lackluster first half, Barça loosened up and ended up thrashing a Mallorca side that impressed in the first half. But they couldn't avoid becoming another victim of a team that's on the right track, putting the pressure on Real Madrid and showcasing the talent of its academy. The second half was a tribute to La Masia, with Marc Bernal scoring his first goal at the Camp Nou, a moment he'd been waiting years for. Moments like these explain the strength of Barça, the club where a boy from Berga or another from Baix Montseny can make his childhood dreams come true.

Hansi, bring order

The first half was nothing special, there's no harm in admitting it. Rashford was lucky, actually. If someone, instead of watching what's happening on the pitch, just followed Hansi Flick, they'd have a pretty good idea of ​​how the game was going. During the first half, the German coach was constantly booing his players, who were leaving too much space between the lines, allowing Mallorca to create a lot of danger. Koundé was making mistakes, Lamine Yamal wasn't always defending... It was a problem for the whole team. Flick gave them a dressing-down at halftime. It's a good thing he does, to keep everyone focused.

Lamine's mentality

While awaiting Pedri's return, Lamine Yamal has taken on the role of leader. In recent days, we've seen the best version of the player from Rocafonda, mischievous and daring. But against Mallorca, he looked tired. That's normal if he plays every minute. At halftime, it was logical to wonder if he should be rested, given that he had just played 90 minutes in Albacete and the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atlético is approaching. It was a reasonable question, although then he conjured up a goal like the one he scored from outside the box, and then Flick's decisions make sense. Even when he's not having his best day, he still decides matches. His goalscoring form is exciting. Flick, just in case, substituted him with fifteen minutes remaining. Well done.

Those who understand them, buy them

Before scoring the second goal, Lamine Yamal had been clearly fouled in the penalty area. It looked like it. And watching the replays, even more so. Sometimes it's hard to understand the referees, both those on the pitch and those in the VAR room. It was normal to get excited thinking that technology would end many debates, but the exact opposite has happened. The Spanish league is full of fans convinced they're being robbed. Proof that the lack of consistent criteria leaves us all out of the game. Everyone. Everyone feels cheated. Even Real Madrid's coach, Álvaro Arbeloa. Go figure.

The magic of La Masia

Marcus Rashford played a good first half in a match where Marc Casadó was the standout player. The player from Baix Montseny needed a game like this, in which he really got going, winning back possession frequently. He seemed a bit lost at the start of the first half, but the improved play in the second half couldn't have been better without Casadó. All this in a match where Marc Bernal finally scored the goal he'd been dreaming of for years. The young man from Berga, who had suffered a serious injury, conjured up a magnificent piece of play to score his first goal at the Camp Nou. A truly magical moment. And to top it all off, Barcelona native Tommy Marqués made his debut. La Masia never disappoints.