Barcelona kicked off their 2025–26 La Liga campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3–0 victory over Mallorca, as new manager Hansi Flick enjoyed a near-perfect debut in charge of the Spanish champions.
A blistering first-half display—highlighted by goals from Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and the brilliant Lamine Yamal—was more than enough to see off a Mallorca side reduced to nine men before halftime. While the second half became little more than a training exercise, Flick’s side already showed flashes of fluidity, creativity, and control that will give fans plenty of optimism for the season ahead.
Match Summary
Barcelona wasted no time asserting their dominance. After just 13 minutes, 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal picked up where he left off last season, delivering a pinpoint cross to the back post where Raphinha was on hand to head in the opener.
The second goal arrived in controversial circumstances. A long-range effort from Yamal struck Mallorca captain Antonio Raíllo in the head, who collapsed to the ground. Play was allowed to continue, and Ferran Torres took full advantage, smashing home Barça’s second while Raíllo remained on the turf—a decision that incensed the home crowd.
Mallorca’s frustration soon boiled over. Manu Morlanes saw red for two bookings within minutes—first for dissent over the goal decision, and then for a rash tackle on Yamal. Things went from bad to worse when Vedat Muriqi was shown a straight red after a dangerous studs-up challenge that struck goalkeeper Joan García in the face. The hosts were left with nine men and a mountain to climb.
Barça coasted through the second half, rotating freely and conserving energy. But Lamine Yamal still had time to make his mark, cutting inside and curling in a trademark finish with the last kick of the match.
Barcelona Player Ratings (4-2-3-1)
Joan García (8.1)
Excellent shot-stopping wasn’t needed, but García stayed alert and took a knock bravely from Muriqi. Solid distribution and composure on his league debut.
Eric García (7.9)
Quietly effective at right-back, stepping up well in advanced areas and tidy defensively against a side that offered little after the red cards.
Ronald Araújo (7.1)
Untroubled evening for the Barça captain. Calm on the ball and commanded the backline efficiently.
Pau Cubarsí (7.2)
Showed his maturity despite his age. Positioned well and played out from the back with confidence.
Alejandro Balde (7.3)
Active down the left in the first half. Created overloads and pressed high before being subbed off with the game in hand.
Frenkie de Jong (7.2)
Kept Barça ticking in midfield, recycling possession and orchestrating from deep. Rarely troubled defensively.
Pedri (8.3)
Pulled the strings with elegance. His link-up play with the front three was sharp and precise. A midfield masterclass without breaking a sweat.
Lamine Yamal (9.2) ⭐
What more can be said about the teenager? One assist, one goal, and constant threat. Now wearing the No. 10 shirt, Yamal already looks like a worthy successor to club legends.
Fermín López (6.8)
The only starter to have a quiet game. Worked hard off the ball but lacked influence before being replaced at halftime.
Raphinha (8.4)
Opened the scoring and constantly stretched the Mallorca defense. One of his best performances in a Barça shirt in recent memory.
Ferran Torres (7.8)
Scored a thunderous second and linked up well in Lewandowski’s absence. Did everything asked of him as a stand-in striker.
Substitutes
Dani Olmo (7.0)
Sharp and creative in the second half. Could be a key figure off the bench this season.
Gavi (7.3)
Energetic and composed, as always. Helped Barça maintain control after the break.
Jofre Torrents (6.2)
Didn’t have many touches but worked hard to provide width.
Marcus Rashford (6.5)
Looked lively in flashes but wasn’t heavily involved. Will need time to adapt after his summer move.
Jules Koundé (6.3)
Slotted in comfortably and maintained defensive structure with minimal fuss.
The Flick Factor
It may only have been 90 minutes against nine men, but Hansi Flick’s tactical setup looked fluid and effective. The front three were constantly rotating, midfielders interchanged intelligently, and the squad looked hungry.
More tests lie ahead, but this was the kind of confident, composed start any new manager dreams of.
Final Score: Mallorca 0–3 Barcelona
Goals:
- Raphinha (13’)
- Ferran Torres (26’)
- Lamine Yamal (90+4’)
Next Match: Barcelona vs Real Betis (August 24)