Barcelona start their La Liga title defence and bid for a 3rd successive crown with a 5-0 victory at Elche.
Printed On 23 Aug 2026
Spanish champions Barcelona have cruised to a 5-0 win over Elche of their La Liga opener, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scoring twice every and Anthony Gordon establishing two objectives on his debut.
After watching Jose Mourinho’s Actual Madrid defeat Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday with a late winner, Barca’s show on Sunday warned the Portuguese coach that the Catalans is not going to relinquish the title simply.
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Karim Adeyemi additionally discovered the online on his debut as Barca made mild work of a weak Elche facet at Martinez Valero Stadium.
Hansi Flick began with a number of common starters on the bench as they proceed to rise up to hurry following the World Cup.
Teenage winger Lamine Yamal, a key a part of the triumphant World Cup Spain squad, did begin on the suitable however was removed from his finest, although it didn’t matter given Barca’s in any other case glowing show.
Raphinha was reduce down within the field by Victor Chust and stroked house the ensuing penalty after 14 minutes to get Flick’s staff on their manner.
Eric Garcia was sharp on the again to push back a threatening Elche assault, whereas Barca’s Gavi caught the attention in midfield – admittedly extra for his pink haircut to rejoice Spain’s triumph than for his efficiency.
Speedy winger Adeyemi, taking part in on the left, began shakily however grew into the sport and doubled Barca’s lead earlier than the break after Raphinha unselfishly set him up.
Within the second half, former Newcastle United winger Gordon, on as an alternative, teed up Raphinha for his second, after which equipped Lopez for Barca’s fourth in an electrical and spectacular cameo.
Teen Xavi Espart performed in Lopez, who endured a troublesome summer time after lacking Spain’s World Cup triumph via harm, for his second to seal Barcelona’s snug triumph.
Flick’s high-line defence confirmed the occasional signal of its normal frailty, however goalkeeper Joan Garcia did nicely when known as on to maintain a clear sheet.
Raphinha advised reporters after the sport that “whether or not a recreation is straightforward or exhausting depends upon us.
“If we begin taking part in on the most degree, we’re more likely to win. It was a really powerful recreation, however we did our job.”
