Mallorca and Barcelona go head-to-head in La Liga on Saturday, with both sides looking to start their 2025/26 campaign on a positive note in this season opener.The Catalans begin their title defence

Barcelona has kicked off its La Liga title defense with a 3-0 victory against nine-man Mallorca. Raphinha scored early by heading in a cross from Lamine Yamal in the seventh minute.

The announcement that the Villarreal–Barcelona match on matchday 17 will be played on December 20 in Miami sparked outrage in Spanish soccer. The decision, endorsed by the RFEF and promoted by Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, has been branded an “aberration” and “disrespectful” by many.

It’s something that is very familiar for American sports fans: Your favorite team in your favorite sport is sent to play a regular season game abroad.

Barcelona began their LaLiga season with a controversial win over Mallorca, in a match that featured two red cards and two goals that arguably should have been disallowed.

Kickoff from Estadi Mallorca Son Moix in Palma is set for 1:30 p.m. ET. Barca are -200 favorites (risk $200 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line in the latest Mallorca vs. Barcelona odds, while Mallorca are +500 underdogs.

The LaLiga side confirmed on Saturday that Rashford had been included in their squad for the match against Mallorca. There had been doubts on the eve of the new season over Rashford's registration, with Barça coach Hansi Flick saying he was "not happy" with the situation but trusted the club to sort it.