Two red cards for Mallorca in just 10 minutes

Ferran Torres scores the second in a controversial play

The combination of Lamine and Raphinha gives Barcelona the opener

The lineups are confirmed

Barcelona Starts Title Defense Against Mallorca Amid Key Absences

Barcelona kicks off its LaLiga title defense this Saturday at Son Moix, backed by a strong preseason but facing key absences and unresolved squad registrations. With doubts over Robert Lewandowski and new signings still unregistered, Hansi Flick’s side meets an ambitious Mallorca eager to start the season with a statement.

Goalkeeper Situation and Attack Doubts

The Catalan club awaits confirmation to field goalkeeper Joan García, after LaLiga’s medical commission ruled Marc-André ter Stegen’s back injury as long-term, allowing a salary slot to register him. Until then, Iñaki Peña remains the only available first-team keeper, as new arrivals Marcus Rashford, Gerard Martín, and Wojciech Szczesny are also pending registration.

Up front, Lewandowski is a serious doubt with a muscle issue, paving the way for Ferran Torres to lead the attack, supported on the wings by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. In the playmaking role, Fermín López, who scored twice in the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como, has the edge over Dani Olmo, though the latter is back in full training.

Mallorca Aims to Shock the Champion

Led by Jagoba Arrasate, Mallorca seeks a strong start after an inconsistent preseason. The spotlight will be on debutant Pablo Torre facing his former club and striker Vedat Muriqi, who partners with Takuma Asano to trouble the Blaugrana defense. However, the hosts suffer key absences, including Samú Costa, while Pablo Maffeo and Cyle Larin have been left out for disciplinary reasons.

Probable Lineups

Mallorca: Leo Román; Mateu Jaume, Valjent, Raíllo, Mojica; Omar Mascarell or Antonio Sánchez, Morlanes, Asano, Darder, Pablo Torre; Muriqi.
Barcelona: Joan García; Eric García, Ronald Araújo, Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.

Stadium: Son Moix
Referee: José Luis Munuera (Andalusian Committee)