Guardiola ecstatic after Mallorca win

(GSM) – Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola hailed his side’s second-half performance as the reigning Primera Division champions beat Real Mallorca 1-0 at Ono Estadi.

The host had won 12 of 13 league matches at home heading into last night’s clash, with Sevilla the only team to defeat them, and gave Barca a scare in the first half as they hit the post twice.

Barca were not without their opportunities in the first half, but they had to wait until the 63rd minute to make the breakthrough when Zlatan Ibrahimovic slotted home at a corner.

That proved to be the winning goal as the Catalan giants kept Mallorca to just a couple of half-chances in the remainder of the game, whilst also fashioning two decent opportunities of their own which fell to Lionel Messi.

“The team was fantastic in the second half,” said Guardiola. “We won at a ground that has been one of the most difficult in the league this season. We were aggressive and very intense. If we weren’t, we couldn’t have won.

“I hope the team see that this is the way forward. The tone of the team was great.”

Guardiola opted to start with the in-form Messi and fit-again Xavi on the bench, but the introduction of the duo early in the second half coincided with Barca getting the upper hand.

Regarding Messi, who had struck 11 goals in his previous six games, Guardiola said: “It’s never good to have to rest Leo, but the other day he finished the match (against Osasuna) very tired.

“In this half-hour he has given us a lot. Messi is more than fundamental, but we need the help of many other players as well.”