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Dani Olmo's early second-half goal secures vital win as Barcelona close in on La Liga title

Olmo found the net in the 46th minute with a moment of individual brilliance, navigating a congested penalty area before dispatching a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner - beyond the reach of an otherwise exceptional Leo Roman in the Mallorca goal.

Despite resting a number of key players ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, head coach Hansi Flick saw his side dominate proceedings at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. However, they were repeatedly thwarted by Roman, who delivered an outstanding goalkeeping performance to keep the contest finely poised until Olmo's breakthrough.

The victory takes Barcelona to 76 points with five league matches remaining, seven points ahead of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand and are set to face Getafe on Wednesday. Mallorca, who managed a few threatening moments on the counterattack, remain in seventh place on 44 points-currently occupying a Europa League qualification position.

Speaking after the match, Barcelona midfielder Gavi acknowledged the challenge posed by Mallorca's goalkeeper. "He had a fantastic match," Gavi told Movistar Plus. "We were patient and persistent, and eventually our efforts paid off. I'm proud of the team and especially of those who stepped up in the absence of some of our regular starters."

Barcelona were without LaLiga's current top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to miss both the Spanish Cup final and the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan due to a muscle injury. In addition, Flick opted to rest Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Pau Cubarsi, and Frenkie de Jong in a strategic rotation.

Nevertheless, the Catalan club remained in control throughout. Seventeen-year-old winger Lamine Yamal was particularly impressive, creating numerous chances and drawing multiple saves from Roman, including three particularly acrobatic stops in the opening half.

Ferran Torres and Eric García also came close to scoring, while Gavi struck the post with a deflected effort in the 28th minute. Just moments later, Ronald Araújo missed a clear opportunity from a corner, firing wide from close range.

Mallorca's best chance came just before the interval when Mateu Morey had a goal disallowed due to an offside in the build-up. Captain Antonio Raíllo then came close to equalising in the 55th minute with a header from a set piece, but his effort drifted narrowly wide.

With the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid in Seville on the horizon, Barca remain on course for a potential treble. Following the Clasico, they face bottom-placed Valladolid before a possible title-deciding clash against Madrid in LaLiga on May 11.

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