Barcelona started their LaLiga campaign with a resounding away win against Elche, with Raphinha and Fermín each scoring twice.
Barcelona made a winning start to their LaLiga campaign with a 5-0 away victory against Elche , despite not having their star squad or all their new signings available.
From the first half, victory was on track thanks to a brilliant Raphinha who converted a penalty he had been awarded, and later assisted Adeyemi so that the German could make his official debut with the team.
In the second half, the Barcelona party erupted when Raphinha scored a brace, which Fermín López then matched, sealing a resounding victory that sends a clear message from the champion: once again, they are the top favorites to take the title.
Key points of Elche vs Barcelona
1. A big difference. Although they are clearly not yet at their best at the start of the competition, Barcelona's quality is infinitely superior to that of Elche, who will try to be a worthy competitor with Martín Anselmi at the helm.
2. Seriousness. It is well known that Hansi Flick does not allow relaxation or half measures, so from the start the demand on his players was maximum and this was reflected on the field to achieve the victory.
3. Adeyemi and Gordon respond. From the first LaLiga match, two of Barça's new signings showed they can be a great asset.
Adeyemi had a great game and scored after starting, and Anthony Gordon came on as a substitute and in a matter of minutes provided two assists for Raphinha and Fermín López's goals.
The heroes: Raphinha and Fermín López
The Brazilian debuted the captain's armband at Barça and did so in great fashion, with a brace and an assist to lead them to their first victory of the season.
Meanwhile, the academy graduate, who suffered a painful injury at the end of last season that prevented him from attending the World Cup with Spain, returned in great form with a brace. He tapped in a pass from Gordon and then made a great individual effort to score the fifth goal.
The villain: Lamine Yamal
A lackluster performance from the Barça starlet, who looked out of sorts and lacked his usual flair. He had one clear scoring opportunity which he squandered, and after that, he offered little else until being substituted in the 65th minute.
Elche vs Barcelona lineups
Elche: Matías Dituro, Germán Valera, Federico Redondo, David Affenbruger, Víctor Chust, Buba Sangaré, Marc Aguado, Gonzalo Villar, Morente, Fer Niño and Ali Houary.
Barcelona: Joan García, Eric García, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martín, Marc Bernal, Xavi Espart, Fermín López, Gavi, Lamine Yamal, Karim Adeyemi and Raphinha.
What's next for Elche?
Next Friday, August 28th, they visit Racing de Santander in Matchday 3 of LaLiga.
What's next for Barcelona?
Next Thursday, August 27, they host Athletic Club and on Monday the 31st they play at home again, this time against Rayo Vallecano.
