Although Barcelona had won 13 of their previous 16 opening day fixtures (drawing two and losing just one), it shouldn’t have been a foregone conclusion that they would go on to make it 15 from 18 against a stubborn Mallorca side featuring ex-Barca midfield Pablo Torre.
As it turned out, the Catalans were ‘on it’ from the first whistle and the result rarely looked in doubt for that reason.
Each player clearly knew his role and the odd mistake aside, it was a compelling performance from Hansi Flick’s men.
Let’s take a look at three things from the game.
Lamine and Raphinha straight back in the groove
(Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
(Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Europa Press via Getty Images
New season, same old Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Both their interplay with their team-mates as well as their own connection was telepathic at times.
The cross for the first goal was sumptuous and got the finish it deserved, with both players causing havoc down the channels.
An all-action performance from the Brazilian particularly caught the eye, racing back at times to support Alejandro Balde if the defence were overloaded by the occasional break from the hosts.
Doubling up on Lamine as his influence became more evident actually helped Barca as it left more room centrally, but the hosts couldn’t stop the talented teen having the final word.
Barca’s calm vs Mallorca’s exuberance
(Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Although Barca took the game to their opponents, there was a calmness and an authority about their play that was in stark contrast to a more effervescent performance from Mallorca.
It was as if the hosts were a collective coiled spring and, unfortunately for them, all of that adrenaline had disastrous consequences in the first half as firstly Morlanes and then Muriqi were sent off.
Aside from Ronald Araujo’s usual rushes of blood to the head in the opening 18 minutes, the Catalans stroked the ball around effortlessly.
The understanding and movement from the visitors was on a par with anything from 2024/25, and at this early stage that bodes very well indeed.
Commanding performance from Joan Garcia
Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Preseason Friendly
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
A lot has been said and written about Barcelona’s new custodian, and culers saw first hand just how commanding he is at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix.
Quick off his line to snuff out any sort of attack from the hosts, he was equal to whatever was sent his way, be that high balls or low shots.
An excellent range of passing perfectly complemented the rest of his game, and try as he might, Marc-Andre ter Stegen isn’t getting back in the side if Garcia continues in this vein, even if he does still hold the No.1 shirt.