Barcelona Proves Their Depth: Thriving Without Star Striker Lewandowski

Barcelona demonstrated their tactical flexibility and squad depth with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mallorca, marking another successful outing without their star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Polish forward was ruled out due to a persistent injury issue that had troubled him throughout the week, forcing manager Hans-Dieter Flick to adapt his tactical approach for the opening match of the 2025-26 season.

This absence might have concerned some observers, but Barcelona’s recent track record without their primary goal scorer tells a different story. The Catalan club has developed a remarkable ability to maintain their attacking threat even when missing their top scorer from the previous campaign. Their performance in Mallorca reinforced this capability, building on an impressive foundation established during the 2024-25 season.

The match showcased Barcelona’s multi-faceted attacking options, with the opening goal arriving after just seven minutes through a brilliant combination between Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The Spanish winger’s skillful play against Mojica created space for a precise cross to the far post, where the Brazilian forward was perfectly positioned to convert. This early strike set the tone for a dominant display that would see Ferran Torres add a second goal and Yamal himself complete the scoring.

The statistical evidence supports Barcelona’s resilience without Lewandowski. During the 2024-25 season, they played eight matches without the Polish striker, achieving seven victories and recording only one draw – a 3-3 result against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg. Their domestic form was particularly impressive, with notable wins including victories over both Mallorca encounters, Real Valladolid, and a memorable 4-3 triumph over Real Madrid.

Ferran Torres has emerged as the primary beneficiary of Lewandowski’s absences, establishing himself as the team’s most reliable alternative striker. Across nine matches without the Polish forward spanning both seasons, Torres has netted eight goals, edging ahead of Raphinha’s seven-goal contribution. Yamal has also stepped up significantly, contributing five goals while maintaining his reputation as a creative force.

This tactical adaptability under Flick’s guidance suggests Barcelona possesses the squad depth necessary to compete effectively across multiple competitions, regardless of individual player availability. Their ability to redistribute scoring responsibilities among multiple players rather than relying solely on one primary striker could prove invaluable throughout the demanding season ahead.