Dani Olmo scores to keep Barcelona’s title chase alive

Dani Olmo scores to keep Barcelona on top of the Laliga table

Dani Olmo’s goal earned Barcelona a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Mallorca, stretching their lead over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga to seven points.

With Madrid not in action until Wednesday, when they face a potentially awkward trip to Getafe, Barca knew they could take another step towards the title in Montjuic.

Barca dominated proceedings despite Hansi Flick deciding to rest several key starters ahead of Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against bitter rivals Madrid, but Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Roman put on a show between the sticks.

He denied Olmo with a reflex save midway through the first half, while Gavi’s deflected effort struck the post and Ronald Araujo missed a glaring chance from six yards out.

Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Hector Fort also went close before half-time as Barca laid siege to Roman’s goal, but they finally broke the deadlock one minute after the restart.

The breakthrough came via a fine piece of individual skill from Olmo, who took the ball in a tight space inside the box and quickly fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Roman denied Yamal one-on-one and was also worked by Pau Victor as Barca sought a clinching goal, but they ultimately did not need a second as Mallorca failed to threaten.

The win lifted Barca to 76 points at the top of LaLiga, with Madrid on 69 with an additional game to play, ahead of the Clasico rivals meeting in Saturday’s Copa final.

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