Luuk Jong’s Header brings Barcelona a 1-0 victory

Barcelona survived their Covid turmoil to win a close game away at Mallorca, while Real Madrid fell to Getafe 0-1 on Sunday. Barcelona was without eight first-team players who had tested positive for Covid last week, as well as six more who were out due to injury or suspension.

On Saturday, Xavi Hernandez stated it was “insane” that the game had to go on with Jordi Alba, Ousmane Dembele, and Gavi among those sick, while Sergio Busquets was suspended and Pedri, Ansu Fati, and Memphis Depay injured. However, a patched-up Barcelona squad ascended to fifth place, just one point behind Atletico Madrid, thanks to Luuk de Jong’s header in a 1-0 win against Mallorca.

After Eder Militao’s early blunder allowed Enes Unal to score the winner at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Madrid’s surprising defeat was their first in three months, giving new hope to the distressed trailing pack in Spain.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid moved up to fourth place after defeating Rayo Vallecano 2-0 to overtake Rayo, with Angel Correa scoring both goals. Atletico and Barcelona continue to trail Real Madrid by 14 and 15 points, respectively.