A solid start for Hansi Flick in his second season at the helm. First game, three points, as despite facing a difficult opponent, the blaugranes have made the best possible start to the domestic competition. The German coach included new signing Joan Garcia for his competitive debut, who provided assurance between the sticks behind Eric Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsí, Balde, De Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Raphinha and Ferran.
New season, back in the groove
Barça didn’t need long to score the first goal of the 25/26 season, Lamine Yamal with the assist for Raphinha to finish. The summer break clearly proved no interruption to the connection between the Catalan and the Brazilian, who scored the first blaugrana goal of the season in LaLiga after an inch-perfect cross by the new number 10.
Hansi Flick’s side made the most of their superiority during the early stages of the game. The possession-based play saw Mallorca having to exert themselves in defence and minutes later the second blaugrana goal came after somewhat confusing circumstances when Ferran Torres shot from outside the area to make it two for the visitors. The Mallorca players were focused on Raíllo, who was down in the area, but the goal stood as referee Martínez Munuera didn’t stop play.
Morlanes and Muriqi sent off
The game may have already been going the blaugranes’ way, but Mallorca’s fate was further compounded when they were left with only nine players. First Morlanes picked up a second yellow card for a challenge on Lamine Yamal, and five minutes later, Muriqi was shown a straight red for dangerous play on Joan Garcia.
First win of the season confirmed
Barça were comfortable at 0-2 and didn’t want to take too many risks, while Mallorca made changes at the break to provide defensive solidity despite the numerical disadvantage. The good rearguard action saw them gain in confidence in attack too, while limiting Hansi Flick’s side’s play at the same time, so it was time to turn to the bench.
On came two more blaugranes for their debuts – Marcus Rashford and Jofre Torrents. The forward and the fullback came on after 69 minutes for their first competitive action for the FC Barcelona first team. Despite the changes, the third goal would have to wait until Lamine Yamal capped a busy performance with a trademark cut in to curl in a top corner finish inside the far post (0-3, min 93). The Catalan’s goal added to the efforts by Raphinha and Ferran to confirm the first three points of the campaign.
The first building block towards retaining the title has been laid, with the season ahead looking both tough and exciting. Flick once again showed he has a plan and that the team are ready to compete from minute one. There’s still a long way to go, but this first win gives plenty of reasons to believe.