Barca started strongly at the Son Moix stadium. In the 7th minute, Lamine Yamal delivered a perfect cross from the right wing, setting up Raphinha for a headed goal. The Mallorca goalkeeper and defenders could only watch as the ball sailed into the net.
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Raphinha heads in the opening goal in Barca's victory over Mallorca on 16/8. Photo: EFE |
Raphinha heads in the opening goal in Barca's victory over Mallorca on 16/8. Photo: EFE
15 minutes later, Barca doubled their lead, but the goal was surrounded by controversy. It began with Lamine Yamal's shot from outside the box striking Antonio Raillo in the head. Despite Raillo falling to the ground appearing dazed, referee Munuera allowed play to continue. While Mallorca players paused, expecting a whistle, Ferran Torres curled a shot into the top corner. The goal was eventually awarded after a VAR review, despite protests from the home side. Following the incident, Raillo was able to continue playing.
The match became increasingly tense midway through the first half. In the 33rd minute, Manu Mornales received a second yellow card for a foul from behind on Lamine Yamal.
Playing a man down didn't calm Mallorca. In the 36th minute, Vedat Muriqui caught goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the face while challenging for an aerial ball. Initially, the referee showed a yellow card, but after consulting VAR, he upgraded it to a straight red.
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Lamine Yamal (right) celebrates with Gavi during the win over Mallorca. Photo: EFE |
Lamine Yamal (right) celebrates with Gavi during the win over Mallorca. Photo: EFE
Down to 9 men and trailing by two goals, Mallorca faced an uphill battle. However, Barca were unable to add to their tally in the second half. Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo failed to find the net.
Barca had to wait until the 94th minute to seal the victory. Lamine Yamal cut inside from the right wing, beating three defenders before firing a shot from 17 meters past the Mallorca goalkeeper. The 18-year-old forward enjoyed a successful start to the 2025-2026 season with a goal and an assist, building on his impressive previous season with 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches.
Following the La Liga opener, Barca sit at the top of the table with three points and a goal difference of +3. Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal follow closely behind with a goal difference of +2. Real Madrid will play their first match on 19/8, hosting Osasuna at the Bernabeu.
Thanh Quy
