Elche 0-5 Barcelona: Raphinha 14 pen, 67, Adeyemi 45+3, Lopez 71, 79
On this evidence, Jose Mourinho will have to do quite the job to knock Barcelona off their golden perch.
An excellent evening back saw Hansi Flick’s side crush Elche in emphatic fashion, with five goals, a clean sheet and a demonstration of the attacking depth available to the Catalans as they set out to win La Liga for a third season running.
There was only one concern for Flick, with Gavi withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Pedri. The midfielder was later seen on the pitch after the final whistle, however, so perhaps his withdrawal was more of a precaution than another serious injury.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scored twice each and Karim Adeyemi opened his account for the club on the night. Anthony Gordon also looked at home among his teammates, making clever runs and delivering two slick assists for Raphinha and Lopez.
Hansi Flick’s side needed only 14 minutes to establish control. Lopez threaded a pass into Raphinha’s path and the Brazilian was brought down by Victor Chust inside the area, the clearest penalty the referee will ever have to give. Raphinha sent Matias Dituro the wrong way to get the party started.
The Brazilian then turned creator for Barcelona’s second. His delivery into the area found Adeyemi, who took a touch before finishing for his first goal at the club.
Elche struggled to find a response and Barcelona continued to exploit the spaces available to them. Their advantage increased after Gordon came off the bench for his debut, immediately finding Raphinha in space with an incisive pass. The Brazilian slotted in to complete his brace.
He came to do business. 💼 pic.twitter.com/iTBD3QEqMN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 23, 2026
Elche’s best opportunity to break Barcelona’s clean sheet came when Facundo Buonanotte slithered magically into the area, but he as unlucky to see his effort hit the foot of the post.
Gordon created Barcelona’s fourth, running through and then squaring to Lopez while one on one with the goalie. Lopez then secured his brace after Xavi Espart located him in the box and he spun away from Federico Redondo before finding the bottom corner.
