Patrick Kelechi, Lagos

 

An absolute world-class goal of precision and misdirection from Robert Lewandowski (up to nine goals in seven games) was the difference on the day for Barcelona away to Mallorca.

 

It was a more of a minimalist performance than we’ve been used to this season under Xavi, but that’s OK, and not just because the win, coupled with Real Madrid’s draw the following day, sees them return to the top of LaLiga.

 

Ansu Fati made his first start of the campaign, Marc-Andre ter Stegen extended his unbeaten streak between the posts, and despite the scare from Kang-in Lee at the end, Barca showed they can manage a lead. Most encouraging, though, was the rejiggered back line.

 

With Hector Bellerin, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo all out (and Eric Garcia on the bench), we saw Andreas Christensen and Gerard Pique team up in the middle, with Alejandro Balde switched to the right. They came through unscathed, and while there’s still an evident gap in quality with the regulars (especially in central defence), performances like these build confidence. It’s a long season, and Barca will need this depth.