Barcelona launched their title defense with authority, defeating Mallorca 3-0 away. Though the result was emphatic, manager Hansi Flick wasn’t fully satisfied with the performance.
Early Control and Momentum
Barcelona struck early to seize control of the game:
- Raphinha opened the scoring in the 7th minute, rising to head in a precise cross from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to send the champions ahead.
- Ferran Torres doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with a strike from outside the area. The goal was contentious, as Mallorca players had stopped, believing play had been halted due to a teammate’s injury—but the referee allowed it to stand.
Mallorca Reduced to Nine Men
Shortly after Barcelona’s second goal, the game unravelled for Mallorca:
- Manu Morlanes received a second yellow card for a foul on Yamal in the 33rd minute.
- Just minutes later, Vedat Muriqi was sent off for a high challenge that caught goalkeeper Joan García—a red card confirmed after VAR review.
With two men down before half-time, Mallorca’s hopes were effectively dashed.
Yamal’s Stoppage-Time Magic
Barcelona added a third goal deep into stoppage time. Lamine Yamal cut in from the right and delivered a beautiful curling finish into the top corner, capping a memorable night.
Flick’s Mixed Reflections
Despite a comfortable result, Hansi Flick expressed disappointment in the team’s intensity:
“These are three very important points, but I didn’t like the match. The team dropped their intensity… playing at 50 percent is not acceptable,” he said, particularly criticizing the relaxed approach after their early advantage and the opponents’ red cards.
Key Headlines
- Debut moment: England forward Marcus Rashford came off the bench in the 69th minute to make his Barcelona debut—becoming the first Englishman to do so since Gary Lineker in 1989.
- Star of the show: Lamine Yamal continues to shine—his assist for the opener and stoppage-time goal highlight his rising influence and creativity.
- Looking ahead: Barcelona travel next weekend to face Levante, while Mallorca will host Celta Vigo.
Match Summary Table
| Time | Event | Player(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 7′ | Goal – Raphinha (from Yamal’s assist) | Raphinha, Lamine Yamal |
| 23′ | Goal – Ferran Torres (controversial) | Ferran Torres |
| 33′ | Red Card – Manu Morlanes (second yellow) | Manuel Morlanes |
| 39′ | Red Card – Vedat Muriqi | Vedat Muriqi |
| 90’+ | Goal – Lamine Yamal (stoppage-time strike) | Lamine Yamal |
Final Thoughts
Barcelona’s opener was dominant on paper, but Flick’s measured post-match reaction underscores a desire for relentless consistency—even against undermanned opponents. With Yamal emerging as a key creative force and Rashford making a quiet debut, Barça look both confident and cautious heading into the new LaLiga campaign.
Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of player performances, tactical analysis, or sight into what this means for Barcelona’s season trajectory!
