Barcelona started their defence of the La Liga title in style with a 3-0 victory away to Real Mallorca at the Estadi Son Moix in their season opener on Saturday evening. The Blaugrana struck twice in a chaotic first half, during which Mallorca were reduced to nine men, and then cruised in the second half to secure all three points.
The opening 45 minutes were as eventful as they come, requiring seven minutes of added time after numerous key moments and controversy. Barça took the lead within seven minutes, with a pinpoint cross from Lamine Yamal finding Raphinha at the far post, who headed home unmarked.
Mallorca responded with intensity and had two clear opportunities shortly after, but Vedat Muriqi wasted both chances once by passing instead of shooting, and then by firing weakly at goalkeeper Joan Garcia from a prime position inside the box.
Barcelona doubled their lead in unusual fashion. A Yamal shot was blocked by Mallorca defender Antonio Raillo, who clutched his head as he went to the ground. Play was allowed to continue, and Ferran Torres capitalised with a brilliant strike into the top corner.
The hosts’ frustration boiled over as their physical approach backfired. Manu Morlanes received a second yellow for fouling Yamal, and Muriqi was sent off for a high boot to Garcia after VAR intervention. By halftime, Barça were two goals up with a numerical advantage.
Mallorca made three defensive substitutions, while Hansi Flick sent on Dani Olmo to increase Barcelona’s attacking threat. The Catalans dominated possession but missed several chances before the hour mark. Flick later introduced Marcus Rashford, Jofre Torrents, and Gavi, with Frenkie de Jong moving to centre-back.
Barcelona continued to probe, with Olmo hitting the post and Raphinha narrowly missing. Jules Kounde replaced Raphinha with 15 minutes remaining to help close out the game. Lamine Yamal capped a brilliant performance by curling in a third goal late on, his first of the season.