The 2025/26 La Liga season kicks off with an electrifying clash as RCD Mallorca host defending champions FC Barcelona at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM GMT+1.
This opening fixture promises to set the tone for both teams’ campaigns, with Mallorca aiming to build on their solid mid-table finish last season and Barcelona looking to defend their title with a statement win.
Under the guidance of managers Jagoba Arrasate and Hansi Flick, respectively, both sides are primed for a competitive encounter.
With Mallorca’s defensive resilience pitted against Barcelona’s attacking prowess, fans can expect an intriguing battle in Palma.
Prediction
Barcelona enter the match as clear favorites, buoyed by their dominant 2024/25 La Liga campaign, where they clinched the title with 88 points and a staggering 102 goals. Their pre-season form has been equally impressive, with a 5-0 thrashing of Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy highlighting their attacking depth.
Mallorca, however, are no pushovers at home, having secured a top-half finish last season and shown defensive solidity under Arrasate. Despite their grit, Mallorca’s recent form—a single win in their last seven league games—suggests they may struggle against Barcelona’s high-intensity, possession-based style.
The Catalans’ superior quality and historical dominance in this fixture point to an away victory, though Mallorca’s physicality, led by target man Vedat Muriqi, could see them nick a goal. A 3-1 win for Barcelona is a likely outcome, with both teams potentially finding the net in an open, attacking game.
Head-to-head
Barcelona have historically dominated Mallorca, with an unbeaten run in their last 18 encounters across all competitions, stretching back to 2009. In their most recent meetings last season, Barcelona secured a 1-0 home win and a resounding 5-1 victory in Palma, showcasing their attacking superiority.
Over the last eight head-to-head clashes, Barcelona have won seven, with one draw, scoring 16 goals to Mallorca’s four. The average goals per game in these matches stand at 2.5, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs.
Mallorca’s last league win over Barcelona came in 2009, underscoring the uphill battle they face. This historical context, combined with Barcelona’s current form, heavily favors the visitors.
Possible lineups
Mallorca are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive stability while relying on counter-attacks. Manager Jagoba Arrasate is likely to field Leo Román in goal, with a back four of Johan Mojica, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raíllo, and Mateu Morey.
The midfield pivot of Manu Morlanes and Omar Mascarell will provide defensive cover, while Pablo Torre, on loan from Barcelona, could make his debut against his parent club in the attacking midfield role, alongside Sergi Darder and Takuma Asano.
Vedat Muriqi will lead the line as the focal point of Mallorca’s attack. Samú Costa is a fitness doubt, but Arrasate otherwise has a near-full squad to choose from.
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, are likely to deploy their trademark 4-2-3-1, with Joan García making his competitive debut in goal due to Marc-André ter Stegen’s absence. The defense is expected to feature Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, and Jules Koundé.
In midfield, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong will pull the strings, with Raphinha, Fermín López, and Lamine Yamal supporting either Ferran Torres or Marcus Rashford up top, as Robert Lewandowski is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Despite the loss of Iñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr, Barcelona’s squad depth remains formidable.
Betting tips
For bettors, Barcelona to win offers solid value at odds of 1.54 (Spinplatinum), reflecting their strong form and historical edge. Given the likelihood of an open game, the “Both Teams to Score: Yes” market at 1.77 (Dolfwin) is appealing, as Mallorca’s home advantage and Muriqi’s aerial threat could trouble Barcelona’s reshuffled defense.
Another strong option is Over 2.5 Goals at 1.70 (Spinplatinum), supported by Barcelona’s high-scoring tendencies and the historical goal average in this fixture. For those seeking a riskier bet, a correct score of 1-3 in favor of Barcelona at 14% probability provides decent returns.
Raphinha, with odds of 7/5 (Betfred), is a good pick for an anytime goalscorer, given his 18 goals and nine assists last season. Always gamble responsibly, as odds are subject to change.