Barcelona kicked off their 2025-26 La Liga title defense with a commanding 3-0 victory against Mallorca at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.
Raphinha opened the scoring in the seventh minute, followed by Ferran Torres doubling the lead in the 23rd minute.
Mallorca’s challenge unraveled when Morlanes received a second yellow card in the 33rd minute, and Muriqi was sent off six minutes later, leaving them with nine players for roughly 60 minutes.
Barcelona capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Lamine Yamal sealing the win with a goal in the final minute of stoppage time.
Here are the key takeaways:
1. Defensive Vulnerabilities Need Attention:
Barcelona’s backline showed moments of fragility, particularly during Mallorca’s counterattacks.
Despite Ronald Araujo’s commanding presence, the high defensive line was occasionally exposed by Mallorca’s pacey forwards.
Flick must refine this setup to ensure greater stability against top-tier opponents in La Liga and the Champions League.
2. Pedri’s Central Role is Crucial:
The midfield revolved around Pedri, whose vision and precise passing dictated Barcelona’s tempo.
His ability to unlock defenses was evident, but the team’s reliance on him underscores the need for other midfielders to share the creative load, especially with a demanding season that includes the Copa del Rey final.
3. Lamine Yamal’s Growing Influence:
At just 18, Lamine Yamal showcased his potential as a game-changer on the wing.
His relentless energy and dribbling troubled Mallorca’s defense, though his final touch requires sharpening to convert opportunities into goals consistently.
His development will be vital for Barcelona’s attacking depth.
4. Raphinha’s Struggle on the Left: Raphinha appeared less effective on the left wing, lacking the incisiveness he’s shown in other roles.
His limited impact suggests Flick may need to adjust his positioning or tactics to maximize the Brazilian’s contributions, particularly in tight matches.
5. Goalkeeper’s Role in Defensive Strategy:
Joan Garcia’s proactive goalkeeping was a standout, supporting Barcelona’s high defensive line.
His sweeping and quick interventions neutralized threats, reinforcing the importance of a confident keeper in Flick’s aggressive system.
The Mallorca match highlighted Barcelona’s strengths and areas for growth.
Addressing these lessons will be key as they navigate a challenging season to defend their La Liga crown.
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