The wait is over. The 2025/26 La Liga season begins this weekend, and Barcelona kick off their title campaign with a trip to the Balearic Islands to face RCD Mallorca at the Estadi de Son Moix.
After wrapping up a highly successful preseason with a commanding 5-0 victory over Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy, Barça look refreshed, energized, and ready to make a statement in their first competitive outing of the new campaign.
A Preseason to Remember
Xavi’s men enter the new season brimming with confidence after an unbeaten summer. Strong performances across their Asian tour and a dominant display in their final preseason clash have fans optimistic. The team looked tactically sharp, well-drilled, and physically prepared—a benefit of having had a full summer off, as they were not involved in this year’s Club World Cup.
The likes of Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi shone during the warm-up games, while new signings are beginning to settle in. However, the Catalans are facing some key absences heading into Matchday 1.
Barcelona: Team News & Injury Updates
Barça will be without several important players for this opening clash:
- OUT: Marc-André ter Stegen, Robert Lewandowski, Oriol Romeu, Marc Bernal
- DOUBTFUL: Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Héctor Fort, Gerard Martín, Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji
Despite the notable absentees, the squad remains stacked with quality and depth, with plenty of young talent ready to step up. Xavi is expected to field a dynamic starting XI, balancing experience with the flair of Barcelona’s rising stars.
Mallorca: Quiet But Unpredictable
On the other side, Mallorca come into the match hoping to spring a surprise. Though they’ve kept a low profile over the summer, they are always a tough opponent at home. The only concern for the hosts is Samú Costa, who remains a doubt due to injury.
Mallorca are known for their compact defensive style and will aim to frustrate Barça and hit on the counter, relying on set pieces and discipline to stay in the game.
Match Details
- 🗓 Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- ⏰ Kick-Off:
- 7:30pm CET (Spain)
- 6:30pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria)
- 1:30pm ET / 10:30am PT (USA)
- 11:00pm IST (India)
- 📍 Venue: Estadi de Son Moix, Palma de Mallorca
- ⚖️ Referee: José Luis Munuera
- 📺 TV Broadcast:
- ESPN2 (USA)
- Premier Sports 2 (UK)
- SuperSport (Nigeria)
- Movistar (Spain)
- 💻 Online Streaming:
- ESPN+ (USA)
- LaLigaTV (UK)
- FanCode (India)
- Movistar+ (Spain)
Final Word
Barcelona begin their quest for La Liga glory with high hopes and plenty of questions. Will the absence of key players affect their momentum? Can Mallorca spoil the party at home? All eyes will be on Son Moix this Saturday as the Blaugrana look to start the season with three vital points.
