Mallorca – FC Barcelona
The title defense begins on the island, with Mallorca welcoming FC Barcelona to Son Moix. Jagoba Arrasate against Hansi Flick, a kickoff with a signal effect. Barcelona wants to defend its crown, Mallorca wants to make a good impression at home. Son Moix is not historically a place where Barça has struggled, but in sporting terms it is nevertheless the first real test of the season.
The recent record is clear: Barcelona won 1-0 here in April and 5-1 in December, and Barça has scored in every competitive game at Son Moix since 2002. In terms of personnel, the details carry weight: ter Stegen is out for a long time, Joan García is registered and should start. Lewandowski is likely to miss out, Dani Olmo remains doubtful, and Rashford’s participation depends on his registration. Mallorca comes into the game on the back of a 2-0 win over HSV at the Ciutat de Palma, without Samu Costa, and with Pablo Torre as a new addition.
Mallorca – Barcelona info
- Venue: Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, Palma de Mallorca
- Date and time: 16.08.2025, 19:30
- Competition: Primera División (Matchday 1)
Our three tips: Over 2.5 goals, over 1.5 goals in the first half, and both teams to score: Yes. Reasoning: Barcelona came out of preseason with a lot of momentum, opening games early and scoring at least three goals in four of their last five matches. Mallorca scores regularly at home, but has conceded more frequently lately, and the absence of Samu Costa weakens the defensive line.
The venue is ideal, as Barça have always scored at Son Moix since the early 2000s, with their most recent visit ending 1-5. Even if Lewandowski is missing and Rashford’s registration is still up in the air, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran will provide enough finishes, which is why over 2.5 goals is our main bet. Over 1.5 goals – The first half is riskier, Arrasate’s team often controls the first 45 minutes, but Flick’s high pressing and Gamper’s early goal suggest quick chances.
Both teams to score: Yes remains plausible, Barcelona have conceded in two of their last five games, Joan García could make his competitive debut, and Mallorca’s attacking options with Muriqi, Asano, and the fine footwork of Pablo Torre are intact, even if Mateo Joseph’s registration is in doubt and Maffeo and Larin are out. Overall, the pace, history, and squad situation suggest goals rather than a tough 1-1 draw.
Mallorca Form & Record Check
The final match of the preseason was a good one, with a 2-0 win over HSV at the Ciutat de Palma, Asano scoring and Leo Román making two strong saves. You can sense that Arrasate has worked on compactness and calmness in possession. Open personnel notes: Pablo Torre is registered, Lucas Bergström and Mateo Joseph are waiting. Samú Costa is injured, Maffeo, Cyle Larin and Dani Luna are out.
The league form is cautiously positive, ending with a 0-0 draw at Rayo, preceded by a 1-2 defeat to Getafe and a 1-2 defeat at Real Madrid, framed by a 2-1 win against Valladolid and a 1-0 win in Girona. Close games, mostly solid defensively, but lacking pace and precision in the final third at times. Interestingly, substitutions around the hour mark often livened up the game.
It is striking that Mallorca have conceded goals in 80% of their last five league games, while at the same time keeping the first half under 1.5 goals in 80% of those games. This means that the games start in a controlled manner and open up later on. Mallorca are currently 13th in the table, without any points, level on points with Celta Vigo above them and Real Betis behind them. Pablo Torre could provide structure and final passes early on.
Mallorca are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation under Arrasate, with Román in goal. A back four of Morey, Valjent, Raíllo, and Lato. In midfield, Asano on the right, Darder tucked in on the left, Mascarell in the center alongside Costa. Up front, Muriqi as the target man and Llabrés, who moves around a lot and occupies the spaces. Darder often pushes into the center to create numerical superiority and open up the first passing lane.
Costa is injured after the test match against HSV, and his place in the starting line-up is questionable. Sánchez or Morlanes could replace him. Morey is the likely choice at right-back, as Maffeo is out. Torre is a possible option as a fresh pair of legs. Joseph could be a wild card for the attack, provided his registration goes through in time. Larin is currently training separately.
Barcelona Form & Record Check
Looking at all competitions, Barça’s last competitive games have been promising in attack, but not without a few blemishes: 4-3 against Real Madrid, 2-0 at Espanyol, 2-3 at home against Villarreal, 0-3 in Bilbao, and 3-4 after extra time at Inter. No draws, goals scored in every game, and more than 1.5 goals scored in 80% of games at half-time. That speaks for power, but also for periods of poor control.
The preparation under Hansi Flick was flawless, most recently a 5-0 win against Como in the Gamper Trophy. Cesc Fàbregas publicly marveled at Barça’s offside line, which requires timing and courage, but the processes already look fluid, even if the automatisms are not yet set in stone.
In terms of personnel, there is a break with the past: ter Stegen is out for the long term, Joan García is registered thanks to a special rule and is traveling with the team. The registration of Szczesny and Rashford remains unclear, which could affect the options up front. After the departure of Iñigo Martínez, the duo of Cubarsí and Christensen are likely to carry a lot of the load. The form of the wingers, especially Raphinha and Lamine, is on the up.
Expectations are high as they are the defending champions in LaLiga, but Flick’s team is still in adjustment mode. Barça formally starts the season in 7th place in the table, level on points with Espanyol and Getafe. One pattern remains: Barça has scored in every game at Son Moix since 2001/02, most recently a 5-1 win. So it could be an open game again, which would suit the attacking form.
Flick sticks with a 4-2-3-1 formation. García replaces the injured ter Stegen in goal, with Koundé, Araujo, Cubarsí and Balde in front of him. Gavi and Pedri will play as a double six to provide stability and link up play, with López in front of them in a central role. Yamal likes to drop in, Raphinha keeps the width, and Lewandowski plays as a target man and finisher up front, provided he is fit. This structure suits the aggressive pressing triggered by the full-backs.
In terms of personnel, absences and registration issues remain in the back of the mind. Ter Stegen is out for the long term, García is registered for LaLiga. Rashford could be registered at short notice, but is not a sure option. If Lewandowski needs to be rested, Ferran would be the obvious alternative in the center. This is a possible lineup, not a confirmation from the club.
H2H Mallorca – Barcelona Head-to-head comparison & statistics
The last five encounters clearly favor Barcelona. Results: April 2025 1-0, December 2024 1-5, 2024 1-0, 2023 2-2, and 2023 3-0. That’s a total of four wins for Barcelona and one draw, with Mallorca failing to win.
The pattern after the break is striking. Barcelona won the second half in all five games, while Mallorca failed to score after the break. In four of the five matches, the second half saw fewer than 1.5 goals. Barcelona also kept a clean sheet three times. Interestingly, the only draw came in 2023.
