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9 months ago
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Barcelona had the chance to extend their unbeaten streak across all competitions today as they took on Mallorca at home following a rather boring display against Athletic Club last weekend.
Despite an experimental lineup and a lot of forced and unforced rotations, Barcelona played out a rather impressive win, owing to a lot of impressive individual performances, especially from Ilkay Gundogan, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, and of course, Lamine Yamal.
Yamal made the difference, scoring a sensational winner into the top corner, with the goalkeeper left flat-footed and unable to even react.
Praises flew in plenty for him following full-time, starting with Inigo Martinez.
“Lamine Yamal is a special player, there are few players with this talent. We hope he continues like this, we have to take care of him because he is very young,” Martinez said about the 16-year-old following full-time.
As for the game, the Spaniard said, “We knew that Mallorca would stay back, and they defend very well. We’re very happy with the win.”
“I’m very happy with the win and the effort that we put in.”
Pau Cubarsi also spoke to the media after yet another top performance in central defence. He started off by thanking the club.
“I’m very grateful, and I want to thank the club for this opportunity.”
And as for the game, he said, “We competed at the maximum level, that’s why we won.”
“I try to give my best effort, no matter who I’m defending against. I don’t care who’s in front of me.”
“It was a very tough match because Mallorca are on a good dynamic, they had just qualified to the Copa del Rey final.”
The 17-year-old has certainly won over the home crowd already, who were singing his name in the second half.
“I heard people chanting my name. It’s an honor to see that the club of your life recognizes what you’re doing,” Cubarsi said about the same.
“I still can’t imagine what it would feel like to play at the Camp Nou. I will fight to make this a reality,” he added, given Barcelona’s home performances have been at the Montjuic so far.
The teenager was also asked about their La Liga hopes, as they currently sit five points behind Real Madrid, who will play Celta Vigo on Sunday. This win would certainly put pressure on them.
“We will not give up on La Liga. We’re Barça and we have to compete until the end.”
He also mentioned the game against Napoli, suggesting that it could decide their season.
“Our season is at stake on Tuesday.”
Finally, Cubarsi did not shy away from giving himself, and his partner in defence – Inigo Martinez some well-deserved credit, saying, “Iñigo and I understood each other very well. I think we both did great.”
Source: MARCA
