Flick's Attack Trio Dazzles as Barcelona Crushes Mallorca 3-0 in Stunning La Liga Opener

Defending La Liga titleholders Barcelona kicked off their championship campaign with an emphatic 3–0 triumph on the road against Mallorca.

Following a pattern that occurred 13 times during the previous campaign, Barcelona found the net within the opening quarter-hour. After topping La Liga's assist charts in 2024–25, Lamine Yamal registered his inaugural contribution of the new term by delivering an exquisite cross that Raphinha converted with a close-range header at the back post for the Catalan club's opening strike.

The visitors extended their lead under disputed circumstances. Yamal unleashed a long-range effort that Antonio Raíllo deflected with his head. Mallorca's skipper immediately collapsed to the turf, yet referee José Luis Munuera allowed play to continue. Moments later, while Raíllo remained prone on the field, Ferran Torres unleashed a thunderous strike into the net for Barcelona's second goal, sparking heated protests from the hosts who believed the action should have been halted.

Mallorca's torturous opening period deteriorated further with two dismissals within a five-minute span. Initially, Manu Morlanes, having been cautioned for disputing Barcelona's second strike, received his marching orders for a second booking following a heavy challenge on Yamal. Subsequently, forward Vedat Muriqi committed a reckless foul on Joan García, launching himself dangerously with studs raised and catching the keeper in the face. Following a brief VAR review, Muriqi was expelled, leaving Mallorca with nine players.

Leading comfortably against a depleted opponent, Barcelona shifted into maintenance mode during the second period, enabling Hansi Flick to shuffle his lineup and treat the remaining 45 minutes as extended preparation time.

Despite Barcelona showing little urgency to penetrate Mallorca's defensive setup, Yamal pursued his personal milestone and achieved it. In his seasonal bow wearing Barcelona's new No. 10 jersey, he netted a characteristic strike, drifting inward from the flank before bending a shot into the distant corner with the match's final touch.

Thus, Barcelona launched their La Liga title retention campaign positively, continuing their momentum from the previous season's conclusion.

Barcelona Player Ratings vs. Mallorca (4-2-3-1)

Ratings Provided by FotMob

Subs not used: Iñaki Peña (GK), Diego Kochen (GK), Guillermo Fernández, Andreas Christensen, Marc Casadó, Dro Fernández, Antonio Fernández

Player of the Match: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)