Date: 16 August 2025
Venue: Estadi Mallorca Son Moix
Barcelona wasted no time asserting control, as Lamine Yamal delivered a pinpoint cross in just the 7th minute, which Raphinha volleyed home to open the scoring.
Controversy and Red Cards Change the Game
Shortly into the first half, Ferran Torres netted the second goal with a long-range effort. The strike stirred controversy after Mallorca defender Antonio Raïllo was hit on the head by the ball and went down—yet play continued, and the goal stood. Mallorca players protested strongly.
Matters worsened for the hosts when Manu Morlanes was shown a second yellow card for fouling Yamal, and later Vedat Muriqi received a straight red for dangerous contact with Barcelona’s goalkeeper, leaving Mallorca down to nine men deep in the first half.
Sealing the Win: Yamal’s Spectacular Strike
With the match all but decided, Lamine Yamal delivered a stunning finish in stoppage time—curled into the top corner after a precise pass by Gavi—to cap a commanding 3–0 victory.
Debuts and Tactical Takeaways
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Joan Garcia made his competitive debut in goal, showcasing confidence and reliability, especially in light of veteran Ter Stegen’s absence.
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Marcus Rashford entered as a substitute in the 69th minute, marking the first Englishman to appear for Barça’s first team since Gary Lineker.
Manager’s Reflections
Despite the comfortable scoreline, coach Hansi Flick expressed dissatisfaction with Barcelona’s second-half lethargy. "We played at 50 percent," he said, stressing the need to maintain intensity even against undermanned opponents.
Key Insights
| Point | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Early Domination | Yamal and Raphinha’s understanding set the tempo early. |
| Defensive Collapse | Two red cards effectively ended Mallorca's challenge. |
| Youth Impact | Yamal’s later golazo underscored his growing importance. |
| Depth Depth | Garcia and Rashford’s debuts added fresh energy and options. |
Broader Context
The victory reinforces a strong tradition: Barcelona frequently win their opening fixtures—this one being no exception, with Yamal and Raphinha continuing to deliver standout performances.
Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate voiced frustration post-match, particularly at the refereeing decisions that impacted momentum—most notably stoppage of play and dismissal calls.
