Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Mallorca was anything but routine. The match was effectively over by half-time, with the hosts reduced Raphinha to nine men and the Catalans two goals up. Manu Morlanes and Vedat Muriqi were both sent off in quick succession—decisions few could argue with.
The match was effectively decided before the break. Raphinha opened the scoring early, and Ferran Torres doubled the lead soon after. But Mallorca’s hopes were crushed when they were reduced to nine men in the space of six minutes. Manu Morlanes saw red for a second yellow after a late challenge in the 33rd minute, and Vedat Muriqi followed him off for a reckless high boot that caught Barça’s new keeper Joan Garcia in the face. Both decisions were clear-cut.
However, the biggest talking point came from a challenge that didn’t result in a red. Late in the first half, Raphinha launched into a wild, studs-up lunge on Mateu Morey near the touchline. The tackle looked dangerous from every angle, yet the referee only issued a yellow card and didn’t consult VAR. Mallorca players were visibly furious, confronting Raphinha as tempers flared during the half-time break.
Barcelona’s second goal also raised eyebrows. Torres scored while a Mallorca defender lay motionless in the box after taking a shot to the head from Lamine Yamal. Despite clear signs of a potential concussion, the referee refused to stop play. While the goal stood, questions about sportsmanship and player safety lingered.
With Mallorca down to nine and trailing by two, the second half was a formality. Lamine Yamal added a third and capped off a brilliant performance wearing the iconic number 10 shirt. At just 17, he delivered a goal and an assist, underlining his status as one of football’s most exciting young talents.
Barcelona took all three points, but the officiating left fans and pundits once again questioning the consistency of refereeing in La Liga.
