Barcelona will commence their La Liga title defense with an away match against Mallorca on Saturday, August 16.
Manager Hansi Flick’s side enters the contest with a formidable record at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, having not lost there since the 2008–09 season. Their most recent visit last December resulted in a dominant 5–1 victory.
Ahead of the opener, the club faces several selection challenges. While Marcus Rashford and Joan García have been successfully registered with La Liga, ongoing financial constraints mean Roony Bardghji, Wojciech Szczęsny, and Gerard Martín remain unavailable.
The team will also be without last season’s leading goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Ferran Torres is expected to lead the attack in his absence. Furthermore, Dani Olmo only recently returned to training, and Flick may opt for a cautious approach, potentially giving Fermín López the start after his impressive preseason form.
Projected Barcelona Lineup vs. Mallorca
GK: Joan García
With Marc-André ter Stegen ruled out long-term, new signing Joan García is set to make his official debut after being successfully registered as his replacement.
RB: Jules Koundé
Fresh off signing a contract extension until 2030, Jules Koundé is expected to start at right-back.
CB: Ronald Araújo
Following Iñigo Martínez’s departure, Ronald Araújo will partner Pau Cubarsí in central defense. The Uruguayan will be looking to re-establish his top form after an inconsistent 2024–25 campaign.
CB: Pau Cubarsí
Eighteen-year-old Pau Cubarsí, who was one of the team’s most-used players last season, will be tasked with anchoring Flick’s high defensive line.
LB: Alejandro Balde
Alejandro Balde will provide attacking width from left-back, with the freedom to push forward when Raphinha moves into central areas.
CM: Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong solidified his place as an undisputed starter toward the end of last season and begins the new campaign as a key figure in midfield.
CM: Pedri
Now fully fit, midfield maestro Pedri aims to build on a season where he was arguably Barcelona’s most influential player.
RW: Lamine Yamal
Sporting the iconic No. 10 shirt, Lamine Yamal will look to continue his ascent after establishing himself as one of the world’s most exciting talents last season.
AM: Fermín López
Fermín López, who reportedly turned down Premier League interest to remain with his boyhood club, is poised to start in attacking midfield and solidify his place in the lineup.
LW: Raphinha
After a career-best season, Raphinha will be determined to prove his excellent 2024–25 form is his new standard.
ST: Ferran Torres
In Lewandowski’s absence, Ferran Torres is expected to lead the line. Though not a traditional striker, he proved effective last term, scoring 20 goals primarily from the bench.
