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yesterday

Barcelona Open Title Defence With 3-0 Win Shadowed by Refereeing Controversy

Last-minute LaLiga clearance allowed Marcus Rashford to debut, triggering scrutiny of head-injury protocols and disputed VAR rulings.

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Espanyol v Atletico Madrid - RCDE Stadium, Cornella de Llobregat, Spain - August 17, 2025 Espanyol's Pere Milla scores their second goal past Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak REUTERS/Bruna Casas
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Espanyol v Atletico Madrid - RCDE Stadium, Cornella de Llobregat, Spain - August 17, 2025 Espanyol's Pere Milla celebrates scoring their second goal with Omar El Hilali, Tyrhys Dolan and Edu Exposito REUTERS/Bruna Casas
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Espanyol v Atletico Madrid - RCDE Stadium, Cornella de Llobregat, Spain - August 17, 2025 Espanyol's Miguel Rubio celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Bruna Casas
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Espanyol v Atletico Madrid - RCDE Stadium, Cornella de Llobregat, Spain - August 17, 2025 Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their first goal with David Hancko and Thiago Almada REUTERS/Bruna Casas

Overview

  • Lamine Yamal shone in Barcelona’s opener with a first-half assist for Raphinha and a spectacular stoppage-time goal to secure the 3-0 victory.
  • Marcus Rashford’s debut arrived after LaLiga granted registration clearance on matchday morning, finalizing his one-year loan from Manchester United with an option to buy for €30 million.
  • Goalkeeper Joan García also debuted following last-minute clearance and suffered a facial injury from Vedat Muriqi’s high challenge that earned Muriqi a red card after VAR review.
  • Manu Morlanes was sent off for a second yellow card and Vedat Muriqi received a straight red after VAR upgraded his initial caution, reducing Mallorca to nine men before halftime.
  • Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate and club staff denounced the decision to award Ferran Torres’ 23rd-minute goal while defender Antonio Raillo lay injured, intensifying scrutiny of head-injury stoppage protocols.