برشلونة thumped nine-man Mallorca 3-0 to begin their La Liga title defence on Saturday evening.
Even in the stifling 35-degree Mallorcan heat, it didn’t take long for the reigning champions to take the lead, with Raphinha heading in Lamine Yamal’s cross with only seven minutes on the clock.
Barcelona doubled that lead moments after Mallorca had their own big chance, and there was slight controversy about it when Ferran Torres buried a rebound when the hosts appeared to think play had stopped – Antonio Raillo lay stricken on the ground after blocking the original shot.
Mallorca were reduced to 10 players when Manu Morlanes was shown a second yellow card just over half an hour in, while Vedat Muriqi followed for an early bath when his reckless high challenge on Joan Garcia was upgraded from yellow to red by VAR.
The second half became mainly about damage limitation for Mallorca and Hansi Flick’s side didn’t need to force the issue anymore, killing the game as a spectacle, although Yamal did his best with shot after shot. The teenager was eventually rewarded with a late third in stoppage time.
BALLGM rates Barcelona’s players from Son Moix…
Barcelona thumped nine-man Mallorca 3-0 to begin their La Liga title defence on Saturday evening.
Even in the stifling 35-degree Mallorcan heat, it didn’t take long for the reigning champions to take the lead, with Raphinha heading in Lamine Yamal’s cross with only seven minutes on the clock.
Barcelona doubled that lead moments after Mallorca had their own big chance, and there was slight controversy about it when Ferran Torres buried a rebound when the hosts appeared to think play had stopped – Antonio Raillo lay stricken on the ground after blocking the original shot.
Mallorca were reduced to 10 players when Manu Morlanes was shown a second yellow card just over half an hour in, while Vedat Muriqi followed for an early bath when his reckless high challenge on Joan Garcia was upgraded from yellow to red by VAR.
The second half became mainly about damage limitation for Mallorca and Hansi Flick’s side didn’t need to force the issue anymore, killing the game as a spectacle, although Yamal did his best with shot after shot. The teenager was eventually rewarded with a late third in stoppage time.
بالجم rates Barcelona’s players from Son Moix…
Joan Garcia (6/10):
A league debut for the goalkeeper Barcelona were willing to blow up their relationship with Marc-Andre ter Stegen for. Only needed to make one save to secure his clean sheet.
Eric Garcia (7/10):
Given the nod over Jules Kounde, with Flick reported to be keen on making him a viable alternative on the right. He’ll be an important player this season because of his versatility.
Ronald Araujo (5/10):
Mallorca players wanted him booked for an aggressive shoulder charge on Mateo Joseph early in the second half. Not as strong in the challenge as Barcelona would hope, losing a few too many duels over the course of the game to be considered commanding.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
A calm and controlled performance, in his new number five shirt, to start the season. There will be many tougher days than this one.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Kept things pretty well locked down on the left-hand side of defence.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Misplaced only three passes all night and was a top shielding presence.
بيدري (8/10):
His control of the game was outstanding, pulling the strings and carving out several chances.
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
His 74th La Liga appearance was his first as a legal adult after turning 18 over the summer. A teasing cross led to the early breakthrough and, even after the red cards killed the game as a spectacle, looked the most likely to make things happen with direct running on the right.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
Enjoyed a decent but not outstanding first half in the number 10 role. Pressed well without doing all that much with the ball.
Raphinha (7/10):
Picked up where he left off last season with the early goal, a controlled header to meet a challenging bouncing cross. Arguably lucky to avoid a red card himself after a clumsy tackle towards the end of the first half.
Ferran Torres (7/10):
The proven option started ahead of Marcus Rashford in place of the injured Robert Lewandowski. Justified that selection by scoring the crucial second goal just before Mallorca self-destructed. Deserves to stay in the team for as Lewandowski is out.
Dani Olmo (6/10):
The only half-time change from Flick, replacing Fermin. Five shots, but only one hit the target.
Jofre Torrents (6/10):
Earned a first-team debut only five months after his B team bow in March to continue a rapid rise. Like for like swap with Balde at left-back.
Gavi (6/10):
Comes away with an assist after setting up the late third, but there is work to do to become a regular starter.
Marcus Rashford (5/10):
Had to wait 68 minutes to get onto the pitch, becoming the first Englishman to represent Barcelona since Gary Lineker left in 1989. Lined up on the left, rather than centrally, with Olmo the false nine and Raphinha operarting at No. 10. Hardly touched the ball.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Afforded the final 13 minutes, plus stoppage time, as a replacement for Raphinha.
Hansi Flick (7/10):
Quickly turned into an easier night for his team than he would have been expecting, with the opportunity to make use of the bench.
