Barcelona began their La Liga title defence with a 3-0 victory over Mallorca over the weekend. Raphinha headed in after seven minutes from a Lamine Yamal cross. Ferran Torres struck in the 23rd minute as Mallorca appealed over a head injury in the build-up. Mallorca finished the first half with nine men after the referee showed Manu Morlanes a second yellow card and, after a VAR review, sent off Vedat Muriqi for a high boot on goalkeeper Joan García. Lamine Yamal sealed the result in second-half stoppage time.
The Marcus Rashford Barcelona debut came in the 69th minute, with the England forward introduced as a substitute. Barcelona played out the final stages in control and took three points on opening weekend.
What it Means and What’s Next
The champions made a composed start despite the chaotic first half. Barcelona were without Robert Lewandowski due to injury. Meanwhile, new goalkeeper Joan García — signed from Espanyol — enjoyed a light workload on his debut. The Marcus Rashford Barcelona debut adds depth to the forward line as the club balances injuries and new arrivals.
Marcus Rashford Barcelona debut also marked the first competitive appearance by an English player for the club since Gary Lineker in 1989. It was reported that Rashford and García were registered with La Liga on the morning of the match due to financial constraints at the club.
Mallorca players immediately protested Ferran Torres’s goal, and Muriqi’s sending off followed a VAR upgrade from yellow to red.
