Barça has started this new edition of LaLiga just as it finished the previous one: winning and taking all three points. Hansi Flick's side have achieved a more than deserved victory, having been superior to Mallorca at all times and prevailing on the scoreboard by 0 to 3. The blazing start was key, with two of the afternoon's three goals coming in the first 23 minutes.
The match was more contested than expected after the opening events. In any case, what is also true is that Barcelona didn't suffer at any point. The performance of referee José Luis Munuera has been heavily analyzed, with his decision to allow Ferran Torres's goal to stand being excessively criticized.
Meanwhile, Raphinha opened the scoring in the 7th minute with an assist from Lamine Yamal, and Ferran sealed the deal in the 23rd. He did so with a shot from outside the box, with center-back Antonio Raíllo lying in the area after clearing the ball with his head. Mallorca's side called for the match to be stopped due to a possible concussion, but the reality is that there was no problem at all. In stoppage time, Lamine Yamal closed the scoring with the final 0-3.
This afternoon, at Son Moix, Hansi Flick seems to have made it clear who he counts on and who he doesn't for the rest of the season. The most important absence was that of academy player Héctor Fort, who, amid rumors of his departure, was left out of the squad list entirely, seeking a new definitive destination.
Héctor Fort doesn't quite fit in
It has become clear that competition is fierce at right-back and Fort has no place in Hansi Flick's plans. The academy player wasn't included in a list full of reserve team players, despite still being registered with Barça Atlètic.
The starter in Mallorca was Eric García, who had a great match. In the second half, the newly re-signed Jules Koundé also got minutes. Two of the three players in the position played, while the other stayed home watching the match. A message that couldn't have been clearer, he's been singled out.
In any case, while Barça finishes putting together its squad in the coming weeks, the truth is that it couldn't have started LaLiga any better. It visited Mallorca's always tough stadium, won comfortably, didn't suffer, and kept a clean sheet. Nothing more could have been asked for, that's just how it is.