Barca journey - Same winning energy with new stars

LaLiga is back, and all eyes are on Marcus Rashford as he prepares to make his debut for Barcelona at Mallorca on Matchday 1. After three months of off-season quiet, Hansi Flick’s Barca returns to action with their star signing ready to dazzle — just as he showcased with his assists during Sunday’s preseason game that secured their spot in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

The Catalans will kick off the campaign at Son Moix Stadium, facing a Mallorca side that finished 13th last season. Jagoba Arrasate’s team ended their preseason with two wins and a draw against Parma, UD Poblense, and HSV, showing signs of solid preparation. Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal have already started the season with victories, leaving Barca to see if they can claim third on Matchday 1.

Barcelona will have to cope without first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, giving Joan Garcia a likely starting role. Rotation isn’t off the table, though, with young talent Diego Kochen also in the mix. Robert Lewandowski remains a doubt due to a muscle problem, making Rashford the focal point. The Manchester United recruit impressed during the preseason, orchestrating attacks against Como and showing his speed and vision across the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Mallorca, on the other hand, aims to shock at home. The team will be missing midfielder Samu Costa, sidelined with a knee injury sustained in a friendly against Hamburg, but Arrasate will hope his squad can challenge Barca’s star-studded lineup.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 1

Friday

Girona - Rayo Vallecano 1-3 (0-3)

/Roca 57 - De Frutos 18, Garcia 20, Palazon 45 pen/

Villarreal - Oviedo 2-0 (2-0)

/Eyong 29, Gueye 36/

Saturday

20.30: (6.75) Mallorca (4.40) Barcelona (1.47)

22.30: (2.20) Alaves (3.20) Levante (3.80)

22.30: (2.75) Valencia (2.95) Sociedad (2.85)

Sunday

18.00: (1.75) Celta (3.60) Getafe (5.70)

20.30: (1.62) Ath.Bilbao (3.70) Sevilla (6.00)

22.30: (6.25) Espanyol (3.60) Atl.Madrid (1.62)

Monday

22.00: (3.50) Elche (3.35) Betis (2.25)

Tuesday

22.00: (1.28) Real Madrid (5.70) Osasuna (10.5)

***odds are subject to change***