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2025-08-16 21:51:29
Under head coach Hansi Flick, the defending champions aim to set the tone for another dominant campaign following their domestic treble last season. Here’s our predicted starting XI for the match, taking into account recent team news, injuries, and pre-season form.
Barcelona head into the season opener with a mix of optimism and challenges. The club has resolved key registration issues, allowing new signing Joan García to make his competitive debut in goal, replacing the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, who is sidelined with a long-term back injury. However, star striker Robert Lewandowski is a major doubt due to a hamstring injury sustained in training, potentially paving the way for Ferran Torres or loanee Marcus Rashford to lead the line. Dani Olmo is also questionable with a minor muscle issue but may be fit enough for the squad. Meanwhile, players like Wojciech Szczęsny, Roony Bardghji, and Gerard Martín remain unregistered, limiting Flick’s options.
Barcelona’s pre-season was electric, with the team scoring 20 goals in four friendlies, including a 5-0 thrashing of Como. The attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Fermín López shone brightly, and they are expected to carry that momentum into the league opener.
With
Marc-André
ter
Stegen
sidelined,
former
Espanyol
keeper
Joan
García
steps
in
as
Barcelona's
No.
1,
earning
his
La
Liga
debut
after
keeping
a
clean
sheet
in
the
Joan
Gamper
Trophy.
At
the
back,
Jules
Koundé
returns
on
the
right,
while
Ronald
Araújo
and
Pau
Cubarsí
form
a
promising
central
partnership
following
Iñigo
Martínez's
departure.
On
the
left,
Alejandro
Balde
provides
pace
and
width.
Midfield
control
rests
with
Frenkie
de
Jong
and
Pedri,
orchestrating
play
against
Mallorca's
compact
setup.
Ahead
of
them,
Fermín
López,
a
breakout
from
pre-season,
offers
energy
and
goal
threat
in
the
attacking
midfield
role.
In attack, rising star Lamine Yamal is nailed on at right wing, while Raphinha brings his direct style from the left. With Robert Lewandowski unavailable, Ferran Torres is expected to lead the line, though loanee Marcus Rashford remains an option from the bench. Hansi Flick's setup blends youth, creativity, and sharp attacking intent.
García; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha; Torres
