Mallorca Vs Barcelona Prediction: Blaugrana's First Step To Keep The Title

Barcelona training session atmosphere (photo: x @fcbarcelona)

JAKARTA - Barcelona will start their journey to defend their La Liga title on Saturday night 16 August with a trip to Estadi Mallorca Son Moix against hosts Mallorca in the inaugural week of the 2025/26 season.

Hansi Flick's men emerged as Spain's best team last season by winning three trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espamen. This season, the Blaugrana was again favored as the main winning candidate. Meanwhile, Mallorca, who last season finished 10th with 48 points, is targeting to qualify for European competition.

Jagoba Arrasate's Mallorca recorded 13 wins, 9 draws, and 16 defeats last season. They are now ambitious to be higher after signing several important players, including Pablo Torre from Barcelona, Lucas Bergstrom, and Mateo Joseph.

In six pre-season games, Mallorca won three wins, including two consecutive wins over Poflense and Hamburger SV. However, their record meeting with Barcelona was very bad in 14 of La Liga's last 15 matches against giant Katalan, with the last win taking place in 2009.

Barcelona made a profit due to missing the 2025 Club World Cup, so they had longer rest time before playing four test matches. The result was perfect: four wins, including a 5-0 party against Como at Joan Gamper Trophy.

In the transfer market, Barcelona strengthened the squad by bringing in Marcus Rashford, Joan Garcia, and Roony Bardghji. Even so, there are some obstacles in registering new players who are still waiting for an administrative settlement, although it is believed that it will be completed before the match.

Last season, Barcelona scored more than 100 goals in La Liga. Lamine Yamal, who is only 18 years old, is again expected to be the main attacking motor after appearing sensational in the previous season.

Mallorca kemungkinan tidak diperkuat Samu Costa akibat cedera. Namun, pemain baru Pablo Torre berpeluang besar melakui debut melawan mantan klubnya. Vedat Muriqi akan menjadi mainstaya di lini depan, didukung Sergi Darder dan Takuma Asano.

On the Barcelona side, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is still absent due to a long-term back injury. Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski are doubtful. Joan Garcia is prioritized for registration and has the opportunity to debut as the main goalkeeper, while Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez are predicted to fill the line of attack.

Mallorca has the qualities to make it difficult for Barcelona and possibly score goals. However, with more superior player material, Barca is expected to remain too tough for the hosts.

Prediction of the Mallorca Line-up (4-2-3-1): Roman; Morey, Raillo, Valjent, Mojica; Morlanes, Mascarell; Asano, Darder, Torre; Muriqi.

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres.

Prediction: Mallorca 1-3 Barcelona