Preview: Struggling Barcelona Face Critical Test Against In-Form Mallorca

Barcelona's recent form crisis has set the stage for a crucial midweek clash against Mallorca, with the Catalans desperate to halt their three-game winless streak. The defending champions have seen their commanding lead at the top of La Liga dramatically reduced, collecting just one point from their last nine available, including defeats to Real Sociedad and Las Palmas, along with a disappointing 2-2 draw at Celta.

The situation has become increasingly pressing as Real Madrid has closed the gap to just one point, with Los Blancos holding a game in hand. Moreover, Atletico Madrid has joined the title race, sitting only two points behind Barcelona. The upcoming fixture at San Moix presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Hansi Flick's men, who face a Mallorca side currently riding high in sixth place and boasting one of La Liga's best defensive records, having conceded only 13 goals this season.

Barcelona's injury concerns continue to mount, with several key players unavailable. Ansu Fati, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all sidelined, though there's positive news regarding Lamine Yamal's potential return to the starting lineup. Historical statistics favor Barcelona, who have lost only three times to Mallorca in 33 meetings this century. However, their recent form and Mallorca's defensive prowess suggest this Tuesday evening clash could be a challenging test for the struggling Catalans as they attempt to regain their momentum in the title race.