Barca beat Mallorca to reclaim 2nd spot

Barca’s Busquets celebrates a goal

Barcelona took a big step towards securing a place in next season's Champions League as a 2-1 victory over Real Mallorca on Sunday saw them reclaim second spot in La Liga from Sevilla.

Goals in either half from Memphis Depay and Sergio Busquets put Xavi Hernandez's men in control and they took the three points despite Antonio Raillo's effort for their relegation-threatened opponents at the Camp Nou. The Catalan giants move two points ahead of Sevilla and nine clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, who have a game in hand, with four matches to play this season.

"I'm rather satisfied. Especially with the victory, but also with the game," said Barcelona coach Xavi. Barca took the lead in the 25th minute as Memphis Depay made a clever run to collect Jordi Alba's pass before thumping a fine half-volley into the bottom corner. The hosts doubled their lead nine minutes after the break as Busquets drove a low shot from the edge of the box into the net to score for the third time this season, equalling his pre vious best goalscoring campaign.

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