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Hansi Flick started with several regular starters on the bench as they continue to get up to speed following the World Cup.
Raphinha controls the ball during La Liga clash against Elche. (AP Photo)
Barcelona began their La Liga title defence with a commanding 5-0 victory over Elche on Sunday, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scoring twice each and Anthony Gordon setting up two goals on his debut. The result comea a day after Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid defeated Espanyol 2-1 with a late winner.
Karim Adeyemi also scored on his debut as Barcelona made light work of a vulnerable Elche side at the Martinez Valero stadium.
Hansi Flick named several regular starters on the bench as they continue to get up to speed following the World Cup. Teenage winger Lamine Yamalwho was part of Spain’s triumphant squad, started on the right but was far from his best, although Barcelona’s overall display ensured his subdued performance did not prove costly.
“Five goals against this team is good, Elche play fantastic football,” Flick said after the match. “We are really happy that we won 5-0, three points, this is a fantastic start for us. It give us the confidence we need for the next matches.”
With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres having left the club, Brazil international Raphinha started as Barcelona’s number nine and impressed.
Barcelona are still looking for a striker after Atletico Madrid rejected their bid to sign Julian Alvarez.
“I’ll leave that to the president,” said Raphinha, when asked if Barca needed to sign a number nine. “I am comfortable (anywhere) on the pitch.”
Raphinha opened the scoring after 14 minutes, converting from the penalty spot after being brought down in the box by Victor Chust.
Adeyemi, operating on the left, had a shaky start but grew into the game and doubled Barcelona’s lead before half-time after Raphinha unselfishly set him up.
Gordon, the former Newcastle United winger, came off the bench and made an immediate impact in the second half. He teed up Raphinha for his second before setting up Lopez for Barcelona’s fourth in an impressive cameo.
Youngster Xavi Espart then played in Lopez, who had endured a difficult summer after missing Spain’s World Cup triumph through injury, for his second goal to complete Barcelona’s comfortable victory.
“We ended up feeling good… it was a great game from the team, we’re still getting up to speed and we have to carry on like this,” said Lopez.
“I was really excited to start the season well, it was tough for me (this summer)… and I’m happy.”
Barcelona’s high-line defence showed occasional signs of its usual frailty, but goalkeeper Joan Garcia made important saves when called upon to preserve a clean sheet.
Earlier, Atletico Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal despite defender Robin Le Normand being sent off.
Giuliano Simeone rescued a point for Atletico after Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze converted penalties to put Villarreal ahead following Marc Pubill’s 59th-minute opener.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone brought Julian Alvarez on as a second-half substitute to a chorus of boos from the home supporters. The forward walked down the tunnel alone at the end while his team-mates thanked the fans after securing the draw.
“It wasn’t Julian’s decision, it was a decision from the club,” said Diego Simeone.
With AFP Inputs
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Barcelona is still looking for a striker after Atletico Madrid rejected their bid to sign Julian Alvarez. When asked if the team needed a new number nine, Raphinha stated he would “leave that to the president”.
Ask News18About the Author
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More
August 24, 2026, 08:50 IST
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