The 2025/26 La Liga campaign kicks off in the Balearic Islands today as Mallorca welcome Barcelona to the Son Moix (11:30pm BST) in a contest that promises early drama and intrigue.

Both sides arrive in fine shape following productive pre-seasons. Barcelona swept aside every opponent during their Asian tour and then cruised to a 5-0 win over Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy. Flick’s team also beat Sant Andreu, Poblense, Shabab Al-Ahli and Hamburg in a solid run of summer form, with the only blemish being a defeat to Lyon.

Mallorca, under Javier Aguirre, have quietly built momentum of their own. Victories over lower-league Spanish sides and an encouraging draw against Parma have given the squad belief that they can repeat last season’s strong mid-table finish – and perhaps even push for the European places this time around.

History favours the visitors. Barça have found the net in each of their last 16 trips to Son Moix, losing just once since 2002. Their most recent visit ended in a commanding 5-1 win, although previous encounters have been far tighter. In fact, two of the other last three meetings in Mallorca were decided by a single goal, with the remaining one ending 2-2 – a reminder that the Balearic side rarely make it easy for the big guns.

This weekend will also carry a personal storyline: former Barcelona midfielder Pablo Torre could be handed his official Mallorca debut against the club that helped raise his profile. The 21-year-old has impressed since making the switch and will be eager to prove his worth in front of old friends.

Barcelona will be without long-term injured goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, although the club hopes to register Joan Garcia in his place for their opening match. All eyes also remain on Marcus Rashford. The Englishman, signed from Manchester United in a high-profile move, is still waiting for formal registration – but there is optimism within the club that the paperwork will be completed in time for his potential La Liga debut.

Start striker Robert Lewandowski has stepped up his recovery and trained individually this week, although Flick may decide not to risk the striker from the start.

With Barça aiming for a sixth straight unbeaten opening-day result, and Mallorca looking to lay down a marker on home soil, Saturday’s clash is poised to set the tone for what should be a thrilling La Liga season.