Sabasports Match Preview
LaLiga: Mallorca vs Barcelona
Kickoff Time: 2025-08-17 01:30 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Bruna Casas
This is Mallorca’s fifth season in La Liga. Last season, the team performed steadily and finished in 10th place, just four points away from the Europa League qualification spot. During the summer transfer window, Mallorca retained its main squad from last season, with only main center-back Jose Copete and winger Robert Navarro leaving. In terms of transfers, the club has signed Pablo Torre, a talented attacking midfielder from their opponent Barcelona, loaned backup striker Mateo Joseph from Championship side Leeds United, and signed young goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom from Chelsea on a free transfer. From Mallorca’s transfer strategy, it seems they aim to improve their attack, as they scored only 35 league goals last season – the third fewest in the league. Currently, the total market value of Mallorca’s first-team players is 78.4 million euros, ranking 13th in La Liga. The highest-value player is Samu Costa at 15 million euros – a player who would struggle to even make the bench at Barcelona.
Barcelona is the defending La Liga champion. Due to financial constraints, they made no major signings during the summer transfer window, with a net spending of just two million euros. In terms of personnel, the only departure was central defender Inigo Martinez. With players like Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen still in the squad, the loss of Martinez is not a big issue. The most notable signing was the loan of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who can play as a winger or striker and adds tactical flexibility. Additionally, they signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia from derby rivals Espanyol. Last season, Garcia had a save success rate of 73%, particularly excelling in close-range saves and organizing the defense, which fits manager Hans Dieter Flick’s tactical system. Moreover, Garcia has an 85% pass completion rate and is the most accurate long passer among goalkeepers in La Liga. The total market value of Barcelona’s first-team players is currently 1.121 billion euros, ranking second in La Liga, just behind Real Madrid.
Mallorca has drawn their opening match in each of the past four seasons since being promoted to the top flight. Their conservative tactics are evident. However, considering the huge gap in market value between the two teams – a difference of 14 times – it won’t be easy for Mallorca to hold on for a draw. Last season, Barcelona defeated them twice, including a 5-1 win on the road, which tied the club’s largest ever victory margin in away games against Mallorca. The gap in quality between the two sides is clear, and Barcelona is expected to continue their strong form from last season and take all three points without hesitation.
Mallorca’s Last 5 Games: DLWDL
25-07-31 Mallorca 1-1 Parma
25-07-30 Mallorca 0-4 Lyon
25-07-27 Mallorca 2-1 Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC
25-05-25 Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Mallorca
25-05-19 Mallorca 1-2 Getafe
Barcelona’s Last 5 Games: WWWWW
25-08-11 Barcelona 5-0 Como 1907
25-08-04 Daegu FC 0-5 Barcelona
25-07-31 FC Seoul 3-7 Barcelona
25-07-27 Vissel Kobe 1-3 Barcelona
25-05-26 Athletic Club 0-3 Barcelona
Head-To-Head Record
25-04-23 Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca
24-12-04 Mallorca 1-5 Barcelona
24-03-09 Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca
23-09-27 Mallorca 2-2 Barcelona
23-05-29 Barcelona 3-0 Mallorca
Prediction: Barcelona to win