Spanish champions Barcelona began their La Liga title defense in style on Saturday with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Mallorca, who were reduced to nine men before halftime.
It took just seven minutes for Barcelona to strike, with two of their Ballon d’Or nominees combining as Lamine Yamal delivered a cross for Raphinha to head home.
Yamal was again central to the second goal in the 23rd minute. His shot was headed away by Mallorca defender Antonio Raillo, who then fell to the ground. With the referee allowing play to continue, Ferran Torres pounced on the loose ball and fired in from the edge of the box.
Mallorca’s frustrations boiled over as Manu Morlanes, already booked for dissent, received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Yamal in the 33rd minute. Six minutes later, Vedat Muriqi followed him off after a reckless challenge that left Barcelona debutant goalkeeper Joan Garcia with studs on his cheek.
From there, Barcelona controlled the game with ease. New loan signing Marcus Rashford made his Liga debut after being registered earlier in the day, and in stoppage time, Yamal capped his dazzling performance with a superb solo goal, curling the ball into the net with the last kick of the match.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Jorge de Frutos scored the first goal of the new season as Rayo Vallecano defeated 10-man Girona 3-1 on Friday. Villarreal spoiled Real Oviedo’s return to the top flight after 24 years with a 2-0 victory. Later on Saturday, Valencia hosted Real Sociedad while Alaves welcomed Levante. Atletico Madrid open their campaign at home to Sevilla on Sunday, while Real Madrid will close the first round against Osasuna on Tuesday.
What you should know
Barcelona opened their La Liga campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Mallorca, thanks to standout performances from Lamine Yamal, who assisted the opener and scored the final goal.
Mallorca’s two red cards before halftime left them vulnerable, allowing Barcelona to dominate with ease. New signing Marcus Rashford also made his league debut in the second half.
