Under the sweltering heat of Son Moix, with summer temperatures pushing 32°C, Barcelona launched their LaLiga title defense in emphatic, though controversially tinged fashion.
The 3–0 win provides a promising start, yet manager Hansi Flick’s post-match unease suggests the reigning champions have significant room to improve their approach.
Barcelona’s breakthroughs came in a frenetic and turbulent first half. Just seven minutes in, Lamine Yamal delivered a fine cross to Raphinha, who rose unmarked to head Barça into the lead. The second strike from Ferran Torres followed shortly after, delivered with precision from outside the box.
But the goal sparked controversy: Mallorca’s captain, Antonio Raíllo, lay injured after a clash, yet play continued, culminating in Ferran’s goal. The hosts felt aggrieved, arguing for a stoppage that never came.
The situation deteriorated rapidly for Mallorca, as they were reduced to nine men within minutes. Manu Morlanes saw his second yellow for a foul on Yamal, followed by Vedat Muriqi’s dangerous high boot on goalkeeper Joan García, which triggered a red card after VAR intervention.
Barcelona enjoyed the numerical advantage, yet the second half lacked the same sharpness. The reigning champions controlled possession, rotated personnel, and probed for a third goal—but often lacked cutting edge.
Eventually, Yamal delivered his signature moment in stoppage time, driving the ball with finesse into the top corner to seal the win.
Marcus Rashford marked his long-awaited debut off the bench, entering in the 67th minute. His performance, though subdued, showed promise through smart movement and composure—a notable milestone as he becomes Barcelona’s first English first-team player since Gary Lineker.
Debutant Joan García also endured a baptism of fire in goal, suffering a head injury from Mallorca’s aggressive pressing.
Despite the flattering scoreline, Flick voiced his discontent post-match. “I didn’t like the game,” he stated. “They are three important points, but I didn’t like the game. After the 0-2 and the two red cards, the team played at 50%. I have to talk about it… we can’t play 50 or 60 percent against nine players.”
He defended Ferran’s contentious second goal, emphasizing that play must continue until the referee blows the whistle, even if opponents are frustrated.
Mallorca, under new manager Jagoba Arrasate, now face a difficult early setback. Their disciplinary lapses and inability to maintain composure cost them dearly.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s strong start provides momentum, although the lack of intensity in the latter stages will surely concern their coach.