Barcelona open season with dramatic Mallorca win marked by 2 red cards and controversial goals

Barcelona’s Season Opener Overshadowed by Chaos, VAR Fury and “Refereelona” Chants.

Barcelona kicked off their La Liga title defence with a 3-0 win over Mallorca, but the scoreline told only half the story. A night filled with disputed goals, ignored fouls, and two red cards for the hosts left fans chanting “Refereelona” once again.

GOAL UNDER QUESTION

In just the 7th minute, Raphinha’s opener triggered outrage. Lamine Yamal appeared to keep the ball in play after it had already crossed the line before assisting, but VAR refused to review the sequence—sparking fury inside the Son Moix.

PLAY ON DESPITE HEAD INJURY

The real flashpoint came in the 23rd minute when Yamal’s shot struck Mallorca captain Antonio Rallo on the head, knocking him down. As Mallorca players stopped to signal for medical help, Ferran Torres curled the ball into the net. With Rallo still on the ground, the referee allowed the goal to stand, ignoring furious protests.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick backed the decision, saying: “The referee decides, not the players.”

DOUBLE DISMISSALS

Mallorca’s frustration boiled over. Manu Morlanes received a second yellow card for a foul on Yamal in the 33rd minute, before Vedat Muriqi was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge after VAR intervention. Yet, a dangerous lunge by Raphinha moments later drew no punishment, adding to the sense of injustice.

YAMAL STEALS THE SHOW

With Mallorca reduced to nine men before halftime, the result became inevitable. Yamal—at the heart of every major incident—sealed the win with a late strike.

CONTROVERSY, NOT CELEBRATION

Instead of a festive start for the champions, the opener descended into acrimony. The refereeing overshadowed the football, leaving the night remembered not for Barcelona’s goals, but for decisions that reignited the “Refereelona” debate.