barcelona predicted lineup vs. mallorca: title defense begins
With Ter Stegen sidelined, Joan García debuts; a 4-2-3-1 setup takes shape under Flick.
Barcelona begin their La Liga 2025-26 campaign against Mallorca on August 16, facing a venue where they haven’t lost since 200809. Due to Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-term injury, new signing Joan García gets the nod in goal. Flick fields a classic 4-2-3-1: Koundé at right-back, Balde at left-back, and a centre-back pairing of Araújo and rising star Cubarsí (after the exit of Iñigo Martínez). The midfield pivot consists of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, while the attacking trio features Lamine Yamal, Fermín López (in the No. 10 role), and Raphinha, with Ferran Torres leading the line in place of the injured Lewandowski. Both Joan García and Marcus Rashford were registered just in time to feature in the opener. (Sources: Sports Illustrated, football-espana, Hindustan Times)
