Barcelona began their La Liga title defense with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mallorca on Saturday, in a match marked by early goals, heated controversy, and two first-half red cards that left the hosts with little chance of recovery.
The reigning champions wasted no time asserting themselves. Just seven minutes into the game, 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal delivered a precise curling cross to the back post, where Raphinha rose to head home the opener. The Brazilian forward, who played a key role in Barcelona’s prolific attack last season, immediately picked up where he left off.
Barcelona doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Ferran Torres struck from outside the box. The goal, however, was clouded in dispute. Mallorca players protested vehemently, arguing the match should have been stopped after their captain Antonio Raíllo went down with a head injury seconds earlier.
“The ball hit my head and I got dizzy. I tried to get up and I couldn’t. The referee should have stopped the game,” Raíllo said afterward. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged Mallorca’s frustration but defended his side’s play. “Maybe I would not be happy [in their place],” Flick admitted. “But I always tell my players, until the referee stops the match, you have to continue.”
Tensions escalated quickly for the home side. In the 33rd minute, midfielder Manu Morlanes was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, his first having been shown for protesting Torres’ disputed strike. Things went from bad to worse when striker Vedat Muriqi was shown a straight red in the 39th minute. Attempting to challenge for a high ball, he inadvertently struck Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García in the head with his boot. Initially shown a yellow, the decision was upgraded to red after a VAR review.
With Mallorca reduced to nine men before halftime, the contest was effectively decided. Barcelona controlled the remainder of the game, adding a third in stoppage time when Yamal capped his stellar performance by firing into the top corner.
The champions were without star striker Robert Lewandowski, sidelined with injury, but new signing Marcus Rashford made his debut as a second-half substitute. In goal, Joan García—signed from city rivals Espanyol—kept a clean sheet in his first start, deputizing for Marc-André ter Stegen, who is recovering from back surgery. Teenage defender Jofre Torrents also made his first senior appearance.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Valencia were held 1-1 at home by Real Sociedad after goals from Diego López and Takefusa Kubo. Alavés defeated newly promoted Levante 2-1 thanks to Nahuel Tenaglia’s stoppage-time winner. On Friday, Rayo Vallecano beat Girona 3-1, while Villarreal saw off Oviedo 2-0.
The opening weekend continues with Atlético Madrid visiting Espanyol on Sunday, while Real Madrid will host Osasuna on Tuesday.
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