Barcelona – Mallorca will mark the opening chapter of the Catalan giants’ La Liga title defence on Saturday evening, as Hansi Flick’s men travel to Estadi Mallorca Son Moix for a clash that could set the tone for the season ahead.

Much like a reigning chess champion returning to the board, Barcelona enter as last season’s dominant force in Spain, once again standing as favourites for the crown. Mallorca, on the other hand, finished 10th in 2024-25 and now aim to climb higher, with dreams of securing a European spot burning like a lighthouse guiding them into the new campaign.

Barcelona – Mallorca Match Time

Country	Local Time
Spain	21:30
USA	15:30 ET
England	20:30
India	01:00 (+1)
Brazil	16:30

Facts before Barcelona – Mallorca clash

Mallorca won 13, drew nine and lost 16 of their 38 La Liga matches last season, collecting 48 points and finishing 10th, just four points off eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano, who secured European qualification.

This will be their fifth consecutive season in the top flight, with ambitions to push for Europe strengthened by the signing of highly-rated Pablo Torre from Barcelona.

Jagoba Arrasate’s side have also brought in Lucas Bergstrom and Mateo Joseph this summer, while notable exits include Jose Copete, Siebe Van der Heyden and Robert Navarro.

Pre-season saw them win three of six friendlies, including victories over Poblense and Hamburger SV.

Historically, Mallorca have struggled badly against Barcelona, losing 14 of the last 15 La Liga meetings, with their last win dating back to 2009.

Last season, Barcelona won this fixture 5-1.

Prediction and tactical analysis

Barcelona approach the match after a perfect pre-season, winning all four friendlies, including a 5-0 triumph over Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

The Catalans have bolstered their squad with Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji, while retaining key stars such as Lamine Yamal, who scored over 100 league goals last season at just 18 years old.

Hansi Flick’s men completed a treble in 2024-25 — La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup — and remain favourites for silverware this season. However, Mallorca’s organisation and home advantage could make them a stubborn opponent.

Prediction: Mallorca 1-3 Barcelona.

Team news and starting lineups

Mallorca are set to be without Samu Costa due to injury but otherwise have a fully fit squad.

Vedat Muriqi should lead the line, with Torre likely to make his debut against his former club.

Barcelona will miss Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to a long-term injury, while Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski are doubts.

Joan Garcia is expected to make his debut in goal, with Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez likely to start.

Mallorca possible starting lineup:
Roman; Morey, Raillo, Valjent, Mojica; Morlanes, Mascarell; Asano, Darder, Torre; Muriqi.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres.