Barcelona vs Mallorca: Epic La Liga 2025 Season Opener Preview

The wait is over. Barcelona’s La Liga title defense kicks off under the Balearic sun with an epic opening clash against Mallorca this weekend. On Saturday, 16th August 2025, the reigning champions travel to Estadi Mallorca Son Moix in Palma for their first game of the new campaign. Excitement is in the air as fans wonder: Will Barcelona hit the ground running, or can Mallorca spring a surprise? The stage is set for a thrilling season opener, and we break down everything to expect in this Barcelona vs Mallorca showdown.

Barcelona Enter La Liga 2025 as Champions

Barcelona come into La Liga 2025 riding high on confidence. Last season under head coach Hansi Flick was a resounding success – the Catalan giants clinched a league and cup double (and even added the Spanish Super Cup). It was Barcelona’s record-extending 28th La Liga title triumph. They did so in style, scoring over 100 league goals across the campaign, showcasing an attacking prowess that few could match. Flick’s fast-paced, high-pressing philosophy quickly took hold, and Barca looked nearly unstoppable domestically.

Over the summer, Barça managed to retain the core of that trophy-winning squad while making a few eye-catching additions. Marcus Rashford has arrived to bolster the attack, a marquee signing that underscores Barcelona’s ambition. Young winger Roony Bardghji was recruited, and goalkeeper Joan García joined to provide cover between the posts.

These new faces enjoyed a productive pre-season with the team. Barca won all four of their summer friendlies, including a 5-0 thrashing of Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy, indicating that the squad is gelling well. In Flick’s own words, “Winning three titles last year is not the end – it’s a continuation. We will give everything this year.” The message is clear: this Barca side remains hungry and motivated to start the new season on the front foot.

Meanwhile, Mallorca quietly had a solid campaign of their own last year. The island club finished 10th in La Liga with 48 points, securing a comfortable top-half position and nearly sniffing European qualification. Now under the guidance of Jagoba Arrasate (the former Osasuna coach), Mallorca will aim to build on that foundation. They have strengthened modestly, notably adding 22-year-old Pablo Torre from Barca – a talented midfielder who will be eager to impress against his boyhood club.

Pre-season results have been encouraging for “Los Bermellones”: six friendlies yielded three wins (including a confident 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV). Playing at home in front of their fans, Mallorca will hope to make life difficult for the champions. They may not have Barca’s star power, but this is a team known for discipline and the occasional upset. Could the hosts stun Barça? Arrasate’s men will certainly try to make the most of their home advantage – though it’s worth noting that Mallorca won just 7 of 19 home games last season, so Son Moix hasn’t exactly been a fortress.

Barcelona vs Mallorca – Match Analysis Table

Barcelona vs Mallorca News

Team News & Expected Lineup

Team selection is a hot topic heading into this Barcelona vs Mallorca opener. The visitors have a few personnel issues to navigate. First and foremost, veteran goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen remains sidelined as he recovers from back surgery. In his absence, newly-signed Joan García is expected to start in goal for his competitive debut. The Catalans also have concerns in attack – Robert Lewandowski is not likely to feature due to a muscle injury that has delayed his start to the season.

Additionally, creative midfielder Dani Olmo has been dealing with fitness issues and is a doubt for this match. The club’s summer signings had some registration hiccups due to financial logistics, but those are expected to be sorted by kick-off. That means Rashford should be available, at least as a substitute, to make his debut. As a result of the absences, fans will likely see a somewhat youthful The Catalans XI in Mallorca.

Expected Barcelona Starting XI (4-3-3): Joan García (GK); Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermín López (or Dani Olmo if fit); Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha.

In this setup, Ferran Torres is tipped to lead the line up front, filling Lewandowski’s boots for now. The 25-year-old Torres had a strong finish last season (including a hat-trick in the Copa del Rey) and will relish the opportunity to stake his claim. Behind him, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal should start on the right wing, with Raphinha on the left – a duo that offers speed and creativity on the flanks. Yamal, still just 18, is already touted as one of the world’s top young players and has been “training very well, with and without the ball” according to Flick.

In midfield, the ever-composed Frenkie de Jong will orchestrate from deep alongside Pedri, whose vision and quick passing can unlock defenses. If Olmo isn’t ready, La Masia graduate Fermín López could get the nod as an attacking midfielder – he impressed in preseason and offers a goal threat from midfield. On the bench, expect to see Marcus Rashford itching to make an impact; even if he doesn’t start, the English forward’s pace and directness could be a valuable option in the second half.

For Mallorca, the team news is relatively positive apart from a couple of issues. Key right-back Pablo Maffeo is ruled out with a hamstring injury, which is a blow to their defense. In midfield, enforcer Omar Mascarell will miss this game due to a suspension carried over from last season. On the flip side, Mallorca’s new signing Pablo Torre (on loan from Barcelona) is set to go straight into the lineup to face his former club.

We can expect Mallorca to field a solid XI with Vedat Muriqi – their towering Kosovar striker – leading the attack. Muriqi’s physical presence and aerial ability will be the main concern for Barcelona’s center-backs. Supporting him could be young forward Mateo Joseph and creative veterans like Sergi Darder in midfield. The hosts are near full strength, so The Catalans must be prepared to face a motivated side eager to impress in front of their home crowd.

Mallorca Ready to Challenge

While not on Barcelona’s level in terms of star power, Mallorca had a solid 2024/25 campaign, finishing 10th in La Liga.

Under Jagoba Arrasate, they have added smartly — most notably Pablo Torre on loan from Barcelona. Their pre-season yielded three wins from six games, including a notable 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV.

At home, they will look to frustrate The Catalans and hit on the counter. The question is, can they turn Son Moix into a fortress this time?

Tactical Breakdown: How Barcelona Can Beat Mallorca

Barcelona’s Approach

Barca will dominate possession and press high. Expect:

• De Jong dropping deep to control tempo.
• Pedri finding gaps between Mallorca’s lines.
• Yamal and Raphinha stretching play wide.

Without Lewandowski, Ferran Torres will play a more fluid role, dragging defenders out and creating space for runners.

Mallorca’s Strategy

Mallorca will likely:

• Sit deep in a compact 4-4-2/4-2-3-1.
• Target Vedat Muriqi with crosses and long balls.
• Look for Sergi Darder to provide creative service.

Barcelona’s defense must guard against set-pieces and aerial threats.

Expect Barcelona to impose their game early and dominate possession, even away from home. Under Hansi Flick, Barca typically line up in a 4-3-3 that can morph into a 4-2-3-1, with a heavy emphasis on quick transitions and high pressing. In this matchup, the Catalans will likely push Mallorca onto the back foot from the outset. Frenkie de Jong will drop deep to collect the ball and dictate tempo, while Pedri finds pockets of space between Mallorca’s lines. The wide men – Lamine Yamal and Raphinha – will be key to stretching Mallorca’s defense. Yamal’s penchant for taking on defenders and cutting inside to shoot or create chances could be a nightmare for Mallorca’s full-backs.

On the opposite flank, Raphinha’s crossing and link-up play with overlapping left-back Alejandro Balde can open up avenues on the wing. Without Lewandowski’s classic No.9 presence, Barcelona might play a more fluid front line, with Ferran Torres frequently dropping off the front to combine with midfield and dragging defenders out of position. Quick one-twos, sharp off-ball movement, and maintaining a high tempo will be central to Barcelona’s approach in breaking down a likely organized Mallorca defense.

Defensively, Barcelona must be wary of Mallorca’s strengths. Jagoba Arrasate’s side is expected to set up compactly, perhaps in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 shape, to frustrate the visitors. Mallorca will most likely concede possession and look to hit on the counter. The major threat is Vedat Muriqi up top – his aerial prowess and hold-up play can disrupt Barcelona if given service. Barça’s center-back pairing of Araújo and the young Cubarsí will need to be dominant in the air and alert on set-pieces, as Mallorca may target them with crosses.

Sergi Darder, a savvy playmaker, can feed Muriqi with through balls or diagonal deliveries, so cutting off supply lines to him will be crucial. Look for Barcelona’s midfield to press aggressively the moment they lose the ball – winning it back quickly to prevent Mallorca from developing dangerous counters. Additionally, Barcelona’s high defensive line could be tested by any pace Mallorca have on the wings, so Jules Koundé and Balde must time their forays forward carefully to avoid leaving space behind.

Overall, the tactical battle will revolve around whether Barcelona can break down a determined defensive setup while not getting caught by counter-attacks. Given their quality, the Blaugrana have multiple ways to unlock defenses – individual brilliance from players like Yamal or Pedri, set-piece routines, or sheer relentless pressure. Mallorca’s hope will be to stay compact, force Barcelona into sideways passes, and grow in confidence as the match stays level. If the underdogs can keep it tight and perhaps nick a goal via a set play or a moment of opportunism, the pressure could shift onto Barcelona. However, if Barcelona find an early goal, it could open the floodgates as Mallorca chase the game.

Barcelona vs Mallorca: Head-to-Head and Key Stats

When examining the history of Barcelona vs Mallorca, the odds heavily favor the Catalan side. Here are some key head-to-head facts and figures going into this match:

• One-sided history: Mallorca have not defeated Barcelona since 2009, a shock 2-1 win back then. Barcelona have dominated the fixture since, winning 14 of the last 15 meetings in all competitions (the only non-win for Barça in that span was a draw).
• Overall record: In total, Barcelona have won 44 of the 75 meetings between these teams, while Mallorca have won 17 (with the rest draws). In other words, Barça have won nearly 60% of all encounters.
• Strong away form at Son Moix: The Camp Nou side loves visiting Mallorca – Barcelona have won 14 league matches away at Mallorca since the year 2000, their highest number of away wins against any La Liga club in that period. Traveling to Palma has typically been a happy trip for the Blaugrana.
• Fast starters: Barcelona tend to start league campaigns on the right foot. They have lost their opening La Liga match only once in the last 16 years. That sole opening-day defeat came in 2019 against Athletic Bilbao – a rarity Barcelona will be keen not to repeat.
• Last season’s meetings: Barcelona won both league clashes last term. They hammered Mallorca 5-1 at Son Moix in the corresponding fixture, with winger Raphinha scoring a brace. Later in April, Barça edged a tight 1-0 victory at Camp Nou, courtesy of a Dani Olmo goal.

These figures underline Barcelona’s historical and recent supremacy in this matchup. Of course, history alone won’t decide the result on Saturday, but it does give the visitors a psychological edge. Mallorca will be fully aware of how rare a win over Barcelona has been – it’s the challenge they’ll hope to rise to in front of their supporters.

Key Players to Watch

All eyes will be on Lamine Yamal in this season opener. The teenage winger exploded onto the scene last year and has quickly become Barcelona’s new talisman in attack. Yamal’s ability to run at defenders with flair and end product belies his 18 years of age – he’s already a full Spanish international and one of the best young players in the world. If he finds space on the right, he can wreak havoc, either by cutting inside to shoot or setting up teammates with clever passes. Yamal’s chemistry with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will be pivotal in breaking down Mallorca’s lines. Expect him to be a constant menace, drawing fouls and creating chances throughout the match.

In midfield, Pedri will be the creative heartbeat for Barcelona. The 22-year-old midfield maestro (often compared to a young Iniesta) has the vision and technique to unlock even the staunchest defense. His late runs into the box and link-up play with the forwards could be crucial, especially if Mallorca sit deep. Alongside him, Frenkie de Jong offers control and calmness – he will set the rhythm of Barcelona’s play and look to spring quick attacks with his passing range. De Jong’s ability to carry the ball forward could also help bypass Mallorca’s press and draw midfielders out of position.

With Lewandowski absent, Ferran Torres suddenly becomes a key figure in attack. Torres has had an up-and-down time at Barça, but he ended last season on a high note. His movement off the ball and finishing will be tested as he likely leads the line. The Spaniard is not a traditional target man, but he is clever at finding pockets of space. If Ferran can convert the chances that come his way, he might well cement a larger role in the team. Keep an eye on his interplay with Yamal and Raphinha – if that front three clicks, Barcelona’s attack will be very hard to contain.

For Mallorca, the danger man is undoubtedly Vedat Muriqi. The towering striker was Mallorca’s top scorer last season and is the focal point of their offense. Muriqi will look to bully defenders in the air and be the target for crosses and long balls. Barcelona’s backline must prevent him from getting quality service. Additionally, former Barcelona prospect Pablo Torre will be an intriguing player to watch on Mallorca’s side; the young midfielder has a point to prove against the club that loaned him out. His creativity and familiarity with some of Barça’s players could make him a wildcard factor in Mallorca’s attacking plans.

Lastly, one cannot ignore Marcus Rashford if he makes an appearance. The English forward may start on the bench for Barcelona, but his introduction could be a game-changer. Rashford’s direct running and eye for goal add a new dimension to Barcelona’s play. If the game is hanging in the balance in the second half, don’t be surprised if Flick brings Rashford on to stretch Mallorca’s defense. A fresh Rashford running at tired defenders could spell trouble for the home side.

Barcelona vs Mallorca: Prediction and Verdict

Barcelona enter this match as clear favorites, and for good reason. The quality gap on paper is significant – Barcelona’s squad is brimming with international stars and in-form youngsters, whereas Mallorca, despite being well-drilled, lack the same depth of talent. Barring any opening-day rust, the Catalans should control possession and create plenty of chances. Mallorca will put up a fight and have the benefit of home support, but it’s hard to see them keeping Barcelona at bay for a full 90 minutes. The defending champions have thrived under Hansi Flick and will be intent on making a statement to start La Liga 2025.

That said, an away trip on the first weekend can sometimes be tricky. Mallorca will likely make this a physical and tactical battle, perhaps looking to frustrate Barcelona and capitalize on set-pieces or a defensive lapse. The first goal will be crucial – if Barcelona score early, they could settle into a groove and exploit the space as Mallorca chase the game. If Mallorca score first, we could witness a real test of Barcelona’s resolve. However, given the firepower and momentum Barcelona possess, our predicted outcome leans strongly in the visitors’ favor. Expect Barcelona to emerge with a victory, possibly by a two-goal margin.

Prediction: Mallorca 1-3 Barcelona. The hosts might nick a goal, but ultimately the Blaugrana’s attacking class should shine through and secure the three points. It would be a winning start for Barcelona’s title defense, setting the tone for their season, while Mallorca will hope to take positives from a competitive showing against Spain’s top side.