Mallorca – Barcelona: The Catalans Passed The First Test (0-3)

Barcelona inaugurated the title defense campaign with a win and a clean sheet away from Catalonia. The referee took all the spotlight after sending off two of Mallorca's players and making controversial decisions.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

In July 2024, Hansi Flick started his mission to replace Xavi Hernandez in the dugout. Nobody expected him to put his touches on as quickly as he did with Barcelona in a single season. He renders the Catalans a goal-scoring machine, dropping the curtains on the 2024/25 season with 102 goals found the back of the opposing teams' nets. Not only that, but Barcelona reclaimed the national treble and were close to achieving the UEFA Champions League final.

At the beginning of the transfer market, Barcelona desperately looked for a left winger. Nico Williams seemed to be the perfect fit for Hansi Flick's system. However, after a long saga with Athletic Club, the Spanish player called the shots, listening to his heart and extending his contract with the Basque team. The Catalans have switched their attention toward Manchester to sanction a deal with the Red Devils to loan their homegrown winger, Marcus Rashford. Both parties came to a common ground, allowing the Mancunian to land in Barcelona.

In addition, Juan Laporta knocked on his neighbors' doors to secure an agreement over the goalkeeper Joan García. The Catalans held fast to their tradition of bringing in young players, as they added Roony Bardghji to their group of talents coming in from Copenhagen. Moreover, Barcelona looked to offload the squad by loaning Ansu Fati to AS Monaco and selling Pau . . .