Mallorca 0-1 Barcelona: Luuk de Jong the unexpected hero at San Moix

Luuk de Jong scored and Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved as Barcelona overcame a Covid-19 crisis to beat Mallorca 1-0 on Sunday. 

De Jong headed in the only goal of the game just before the break and Ter Stegen made a stunning save from Jaume Costa late on to ensure the points returned to Barcelona. 

The win at San Moix moved Barça to within one point of the top four following setbacks for Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano this weekend. 

They also closed the gap on third-placed Real Betis, who lost to Celta Vigo earlier on Sunday, to just two points. 

Xavi Hernandez was missing more than 15 players for the trip to Mallorca due to a coronavirus outbreak among the squad, injuries and suspensions. 

The Barça coach felt the game should have been called off but it went ahead as league rules state fixtures must be played if teams have at least five first-team players available. 

Barça had 11, including two goalkeepers, and one of them, de Jong, starred in an impressive first half from a makeshift side. 

The Dutchman had already hit the post and the bar (from a brilliant overhead kick) when he headed in Oscar Mingueza's cross to open the scoring. 

Mallorca improved after the break and the pressure grew late on, but Barça defended resolutely and when the home side did make it through, Ter Stegen was there. 

The German goalkeeper made a stunning late save from Costa from pointblank range.