Robert Lewandowski provided the only light in Mallorca

A marathon of matches like the one that Barça must face (12 games in 40 days) forces rotation, rests and puts the depth of the squad to the test. A challenge increased by the plague of injuries (five: Araujo, Kounde, Bellerin, De Jong and Memphis) that has affected the Blaugrana during the international break. The first scene of this 'red October' was at Mallorca and Xavi shook up the team with a surprising line-up, with Balde at right back, Kessie in midfield instead of Pedri and Ansu occupying a wing spot usually filled by Raphinha.

The most significant thing was the presence of the 'forgotten' duo Piqué and Jordi Alba in an unrecognisable defence. In fact, five changes (six, if we count the new position of Balde) from the eleven that could be called the gala XI. It was clear that the coach also thought (a lot) about next Tuesday's decisive Champions League match against Inter. A game that must be won whatever happens, and for which they will need their best players in the best physical condition. In the league there is room to rectify mistakes, but not in the European Cup. And only in this way can these changes be interpreted.

One who does not rest and cannot rest is Lewandowski. The Polish striker is sure to score. His efficiency is brutal. And in Son Moix he once again demonstrated his status as a 'killer'. A stratospheric play was invented which culminated in an unstoppable shot. That goal served to light up a very gray game. Xavi was already expecting a difficult match, difficult to digest. Mallorca mounted a suffocating defence that made Barça's static attack impossible. Fortunately, Lewandowski appeared as always to get the Blaugrana team out of trouble. And he already boasts 9 goals in 7 league games.

The masterful intervention of the Polish crack was enough to serve up the first three points of the marathon that the Blaugrana face before the World Cup. It was not, of course, a great match for Barça. But the important thing is that this Barça team has also learned to win this type of unspectacular battle. It is one more step in the construction of a champion side. A lacklustre victory is also a victory. Although this Barça is expected, without a doubt, to do much more.