Barcelona Kicks Off Title Defense Against Mallorca Despite Missing Key Players
Barcelona begin their La Liga championship defense with a trip to Mallorca on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Hansi Flick's squad dominated during their latest appearance at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, crushing Mallorca 5–1 this past December. Moreover, this venue has been a fortress of success for Barcelona historically, heading into the season opener with an unbeaten away record against Mallorca dating back to 2008–09.
However, not all is perfect for the Catalan giants. Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, Wojciech Szczęsny and Gerard Martín remain unregistered for play due to the club's ongoing financial constraints. While Barcelona maintains hope of registering these players in the upcoming hours, there's mounting concern that all four will be unavailable for team selection.
Furthermore, Barça's top scorer from 2024–25, Robert Lewandowski, is dealing with a hamstring problem that will likely keep him out of their season opener. Ferran Torres appears poised to spearhead the attack as he did during the final stretch of last campaign.
Dani Olmo rejoined training sessions late this week, though Flick may choose a conservative approach with him and instead utilize Fermín López in the attacking midfielder position following his stellar preseason displays.
Here's how Barcelona might line up against Mallorca in their 2025–26 La Liga season opener.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Mallorca (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—La Liga determined that Marc-André ter Stegen's injury satisfies the long-term requirements, allowing Barça to register new goalkeeper García. Therefore, the ex-Espanyol keeper will make his official debut with their crosstown adversaries.
RB: Jules Koundé—One day following his contract extension that secures him at Barcelona through 2030, Koundé will cover the right side for the first time since the opening leg of the Champions League semifinals last season.
CB: Ronald Araújo—With Iñigo Martínez's exit, Araújo will start the campaign as Pau Cubarsí's defensive partner. The Uruguayan defender needs to capitalize on this chance after an underwhelming 2024–25 season.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Only Pedri and Raphinha featured more frequently last season than 18-year-old Cubarsí. With Martínez gone, the youngster must take another developmental leap as the anchor of Flick's aggressive defensive setup.
LB: Alejandro Balde—The energetic Balde will have license to surge forward consistently, providing left-wing width when Raphinha moves into central areas.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—The Dutch midfielder needed time to find his rhythm under Flick, but once settled, he delivered some of his finest displays since arriving at the club. He begins the season as a guaranteed midfield starter.
CM: Pedri—A case could be made that Pedri was Barcelona's standout performer last season. With full fitness restored, the young midfield virtuoso returns as arguably the world's premier central midfielder.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barcelona's new No. 10 seeks to elevate his game further this campaign, after definitively establishing himself among the world's elite players last season.
AM: Fermín López—English Premier League clubs attempted to entice Fermín away from Barcelona this summer. The player rejected these advances to remain at his childhood club. Now, he aims to cement his place in Flick's starting eleven.
LW: Raphinha—Following a breakthrough campaign, Raphinha will be eager to prove his 2024–25 excellence was the beginning of sustained brilliance rather than an anomaly.
ST: Ferran Torres—While he lacks Lewandowski's prolific scoring ability, Torres excelled in a supporting capacity last term. He concluded the season with 20 goals despite primarily appearing as a substitute.
