Despised De Jong transforms into a maverick as Barca knock Mallorca
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 03.01.22. | 00:56
You can't say we didn't warn you of that scenario...
For success in life, you need lots of hard work, determination and a bit of luck. Sometimes a string of unpleasant circumstances is just what you need to resurrect. And that's precisely what happened to Luuk De Jong, a guy who was considered a major flop and a step backwards for the Blaugrana until tonight.
Just as Mozzart Sport Kenya reported before the match, this was De Jong's last dance, the ultimate chance to shine and prove he's just the guy for the Catalan giants. And he did it with some style...
He hit the woodwork twice in two minutes, around the 30-minute mark, with the other being an exquisite overhead volley (or a bicycle kick if you prefer) that stunned the entire stadium.
What he missed then, De Jong corrected a minute before the break, nailing a fine header for Barca's 1-0 lead.
Obviously very inspired for the game, he continued in the same manner even after the break. Acting as a true leader, he accompanied youngsters Jutgla and Akhomach in an unexpected yet potent offensive setup.
Mallorca have put on a lot of effort to tie the game, but Xavi's pupils established a solid defensive wall in front of Ter Stegen. It was, however, almost torn apart seven minutes before the end, as Mboula - Mallorca's sub and a former player of Barca's youth setups - launched a diving header with the ball going just inches wide of the target.
But what Ter Stegen pulled off in an injury-time will maybe save Barca's season. Mallorca's full-back Costa was left totally unmarked on the left, his shot was fine, but Ter Stegen launched a sensational, handballesque save and denied the equaliser.
📸 - INCREDIBLE SAVE FROM TER STEGEN!! pic.twitter.com/GF2oCpDQQ4
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) January 2, 2022
The game will also be remembered for Samuel Eto'o's appearance on the ground, as he featured for both Mallorca and Barca during his impeccable career. His mural was revealed in front of the stadium shortly before the kick-off.
What an honour to have my career at @RCD_Mallorca memorialised like this 🔥 Real Mallorca put me on the map in the early days of my international career and it is still one of my favourite clubs I ever played for.
— Samuel Eto'o (@SamuelEtoo) January 2, 2022
¡Vamos, equipo! pic.twitter.com/orLA4QCPzP
LA LIGA - ROUND 19
Friday
Valencia - Espanyol 1-2 (0-0)
/Alderete 51 - de Tomas 83 pen, Puado 88/
Sunday
Getafe - Real Madrid 1-0 (1-0)
/Unal 9/
Elche - Granada 0-0 (0-0)
Atletico Madrid - Rayo Vallecano 2-0 (1-0)
/Correa 28, 53/
Alaves - Real Sociedad 1-1 (0-1)
/Joselu 58 pen - Januzaj 14/
Betis - Celta 0-2 (0-2)
/Aspas 36 pen, 45+2/
Mallorca - Barcelona 0-1 (0-1)
/De Jong 44/
Monday
21:00: (1.35) Villareal (5.60) Levante (9.00)
23:00: (3.40) Osasuna (3.00) Ath.Bilbao (2.50)
23:15: (4.50) Cadiz (3.40) Sevilla (1.95)
***odds are subject to change
