A crucial battle in Montjuïc
FC Barcelona, led by strategist Xavi, is preparing for a decisive confrontation against RCD Mallorca at the historic Montjuïc Stadium. This match, corresponding to matchday 28 of the EA Sports League, will take place on Friday, March 8 at 9:00 p.m.
The Catalans, with their sights set on the momentous Champions League tie against Napoli, will seek to maintain their momentum in the domestic competition. Barça, who tied their last league match against Athletic Club, need to add three points to put pressure on Girona, which occupies second position in the standings.
Mallorca, a rival on the rise
RCD Mallorca arrives at Montjuïc in its best moment of the season. After sealing their place in the final of the Copa del Rey, the vermillions are full of confidence and determination.
The team led by Javier Aguirre, which has not played in a Cup final since 2003, has proven its worth in the league, beating Girona in its last game. The Mallorcans occupy fifteenth position in the table, eight points away from relegation.
Casualties and injuries on both sides
FC Barcelona faces the match with a list of casualties that includes Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Alejandro Balde, Pablo Gavi, Ferran Torres and Marcos Alonso. However, the last two could be available for the match against Naples.
Ronald Araújo will also be out due to suspension, while João Cancelo, Oriol Romeu and Robert Lewandowski are on warning and could miss the next league match if they receive a yellow card.
For its part, Mallorca only has Pablo Maffeo out, while Omar Mascarell will also serve a suspension due to the accumulation of cards.
A historic drought for Mallorca
RCD Mallorca has not managed to beat FC Barcelona in any competition since May 17, 2009. Since then, the vermillions have suffered 13 defeats and two draws against the Catalan team.
A break for Koundé
Jules Koundé, Barça’s French central defender, could rest in this match. The player has played every game this season, accumulating 1,380 minutes. If Xavi decides to give him a break, Héctor Fort could get his chance.
Historic success for Ter Stegen
Barça goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen will make his 400th appearance for the club against Mallorca. The German, who signed for the Blaugrana almost 10 years ago, is the third goalkeeper with the most appearances in the club’s history.
Possible alignments
**FC Barcelona:** Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, João Cancelo, Christensen, Fermin, Gündoğan, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski.
**Mallorca:** Rajkovic, Valjent, Raillo, Copete, Lato, Giovanni, Samu Costa, Antonio, Darder, Dani Rodriguez and Muriqi.
Schedule and where to watch the game
The match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca will be played on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 9:00 p.m. at the Montjuïc Stadium. You can follow it live on television through DAZN and online at premium.cat, where we will offer all the preview and subsequent reactions.
