Barcelona began their La Liga title defence in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 win over Mallorca on Saturday evening.
The champions wasted no time making their mark, breaking the deadlock inside seven minutes when Lamine Yamal’s teasing delivery was smashed home at the far post by Raphinha.
The early breakthrough set the tone, and midway through the half, Ferran Torres doubled the advantage. His strike, however, was surrounded by controversy, Mallorca skipper Antonio Raíllo had gone down with what looked like a head injury, prompting confusion, but with no whistle blown, Torres pounced to punish the hosts.
The game then spiraled further out of Mallorca’s control. Manu Morlanes picked up a second yellow card and was dismissed, before Vedat Muriqi was sent off shortly after for a dangerous high boot. Within minutes, the home side were reduced to nine men before the interval.
The second half was far more subdued. Barcelona, despite their numerical superiority, found it difficult to add to their tally, with Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Raphinha all denied by goalkeeper Leo Román.
Teenage sensation Yamal nearly got his name on the scoresheet twice late on, but Román stood firm. Persistence paid off in stoppage time, though, as the 17-year-old finally slotted home to seal a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Hansi Flick’s men now turn their attention to another away test next weekend when they travel to face Levante.