Barcelona player ratings v Mallorca: Memphis Depay 8, Sergio Busquets 8, Ferran Torres 6

Barca claim 2-1 win at Camp Nou to move second in La Liga and a step closer to securing Champions League football for next season

BARCELONA PLAYER RATINGS: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – 6. After three successive defeats at Camp Nou, Barca needed a win – though their Champions League hopes were helped by Sevilla drawing and Atletico losing. The German made a straightforward save after five minutes, then raged at his defence on 18 after Mallorca opened them up. The conceded goal wasn’t on him. EPA

Jordi Alba – 8. Heavily involved with 56 passes in the first half alone. Set up Depay’s opener with smart ball forward, his ninth assist of the season. Then almost saw a second similar ball led to an own goal on 30. Cut out a dangerous 40th minute Mallorca attack but bullied off the ball in a 78th minute one. Booked. AFP

Ronald Araujo – 6. Signed a new contract midweek and headed in a 22nd minute cross – offside. Beaten to the ball for Mallorca’s goal and appealed, incorrectly, for offside. Reuters

Gerard Pique – 6. Took a risk starting as he wasn’t fit, but he’s needed in defence. Neat side-line trick to beat an opponent, then started the move which led to the opening goa. Sadly, it was his last involvement as he came off injured on 27. Getty

Dani Alves – 7. Came infield to cross in a game Barca dominated with 75 per cent of possession against the side fighting relegation. Worthy role. AFP

Gavi – 7. Picked up his fourth yellow card in five games in front of the 62,789 crowd. Needs to calm things – and he did as he had two efforts on target. He also plays with his laces undone. "He says that's how he's comfortable, that it's good for him, that we don't need to worry,” said his manager Xavi. EPA

Sergio Busquets – 8. Central to Barcelona’s play. Wrestled to the ground in the 41st minute, but Depay wasted the ensuing free-kick. Struck the second goal on 53, a left foot strike through the defence. And how Camp Nou loved the rare goal from their most experienced man on the pitch. Reuters

Frenkie De Jong – 7. Got around the pitch and looking confident, a fine footballer who Barca – and Xavi - wants to keep. Not his best Barcelona season but he’s in demand. Four games to go this season and as he said after, the priority of reaching the Champions League has been reached…but Barca must improve next season. AFP

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7. Fifth-minute header well saved and it was his head across goal which set up Torres. Came off in the second, but he’s played a part in getting Barca up the table into second and a top four Champions League spot. They’re now nine points clear of Betis in fifth. AFP

Ferran Torres – 6. Played as a wide forward and little involved in the first half but heavily involved in the attack before Barcelona’s second. And then he thought he’d scored the third, after initially hitting the crossbar. He was relieved as he celebrated, less so when the goal was disallowed. Getty

Memphis Depay – 8. Volleyed his side ahead after 24 minutes, controlling an Alba pass and striking low past the strangely static goalkeeper. Encouraging performance. Getty

SUBS: Eric Garcia (Pique 28’) – 6. Played in front of a nervous crowd who don’t trust him as much as their legendary defender. Getty

Ansu Fati (Aubameyang 75’) – 6. Back on the bench and a huge cheer when he warmed up and an even bigger one when he came on. AFP

Ousmane Dembele Torres 75’) – 6. On for after recovering from tonsillitis. Unusually wasteful. AFP

Clement Lenglet (Alves 89’) – NA. EPA

May 2, 2022

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez said he was delighted to see Ansu Fati make his return from long-term injury after the Spanish teenager came off the bench during Sunday's 2-1 La Liga victory over Mallorca.

Goals in either half from Memphis Depay and Sergio Busquets gave Barca a 2-0 lead at Camp Nou before Antonio Raillo halved the deficit with 11 minutes remaining. The victory returns Barcelona to second in the table and a step closer to securing Champions League football for next season.

Barcelona to play at city's Olympic Stadium while iconic Camp Nou is renovated

Beyond the goals, the biggest cheer of the evening was reserved for Fati, who came off the bench to make his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in January.

"He's a special player. His goalscoring sense is remarkable," said Xavi of the 19-year-old forward.

"In training it's raining goals. He needs to be in the box, that's why I brought him in as a centre-forward, and also because he still lacks a bit of rhythm to play on the wing. But his return is great news for Barcelona."

Barca took the lead in the 25th minute as Depay made a clever run to collect Jordi Alba's pass before thumping a fine half-volley into the bottom corner.

The Dutchman has scored 11 league goals since joining Barcelona from Lyon last summer, despite having struggled for a regular starting spot since the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal in January.

The hosts doubled their advantage nine minutes after the break as Busquets drove a low shot from the edge of the box to score for the third time this season in all competitions, equalling his previous best goalscoring campaign.

Barca thought they had added a third in the 73rd minute, but Ferran Torres' effort after a desperate goalmouth scramble was ruled out for an offside earlier in the move.

Mallorca ensured that their opponents would at least endure a nervy finale to the match when Raillo pulled one back but Barca were able to see out the victory, leaving Mallorca only one point ahead of 18th-placed Granada, who drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo, in the fight to beat the drop.

"I'm rather satisfied. Especially with the victory, but also with the game," said Xavi.

Assessing the performances from Camp Nou, Andy Mitten has provided his Barcelona player ratings in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

Updated: May 02, 2022, 4:30 AM