Raphinha and Fermin run riot, while Gordon & Adeyemi shine on debut in 5-0 win over Elche
Defending champions FC Barcelona have made a sensational start to the 2026-27 La Liga season, demolishing Elche CF 5-0 at the Estadio Martinez Valero in front of 30,704 fans.
An away day masterclass
Barcelona being the away team produced a performance that was not only clinical, but also very attacking, converting a well-fought first half into a complete thrashing in the second. Barcelona utterly dominated the hosts throughout; they created a stunning nine big chances on goal and managed to dictate play with fairly even possession of 54%.
14' - Raphinha (Pen): Barcelona captain got the scoring underway with a cool penalty shot into the bottom-right corner. Raphinha had won a spot-kick by tricking the defender into bringing him down inside the penalty area.
45+3' - Karim Adeyemi: On the stroke of halftime, summer signing Karim Adeyemi netted his debut goal after being set up by Raphinha. Following an incisive break and swift pass from Raphinha, Adeyemi he slotted a low effort into the corner.
67' - Raphinha: Raphinha then doubled his own goal tally and put Barcelona three up with a brilliant team goal.
71' - Fermin Lopez: Only four minutes after, Fermin struck his first. After being played through by the unselfish Anthony Gordon, he neatly finished a pass into an empty corner.
79' - Fermin Lopez: He got his second from within the 6 yard box when he coolly squared the ball from his fellow academy product Xavi Espart; and what a finish it was. He turned the defender and drilled the ball back into the net: a classic no. 9 finish.
Dream debuts
While Raphinha and Fermin Lopez were both brilliant, netting two goals a piece, for me one of the stand-out players on display and a story that grabbed headlines on the night was that of new signing Karim Adeyemi; scoring on his first official start for Barcelona.
Meanwhile new summer signing Anthony Gordon, also enjoyed a sensational cameo. Introduced in the 65th minute, he managed to assist two goals in the first five minutes he was on the pitch for his new club. His first contribution was the ball which assisted Raphinha's second goal and his second was the assist for Fermin's 4th; proving what a dynamic talent this young Englishmen is.
Raphinha excels in central role
It was a vintage Raphinha performance as the Brazilian topped off a strong performance with 2 goals and an assist, while achieving an excellent 9.9 match rating. He spoke after the game, and he was asked if following his central display would Barcelona still need to sign a traditional central striker.
I'd leave that matter to Deco, the president, and Flick. I can play as a striker too. I feel comfortable on the pitch.Raphina after the match
A perfect start to the season for the champions and they hope their form continues to build on this
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