Barcelona Thrash Elche 5-0 as Raphinha, Fermin Shine

Raphinha and Fermin Lopez both scored twice, while summer signing Karim Adeyemi marked his competitive Barcelona debut with a goal as Hansi Flick’s side produced a ruthless attacking display.

The defending champions took the lead in the 14th minute after Raphinha was brought down inside the penalty area.

The Brazilian, wearing the captain’s armband, stepped up and calmly converted the penalty into the bottom-left corner to give Barcelona an early advantage.

Elche enjoyed spells of possession and attempted to respond, but struggled to create clear opportunities against the Barcelona defence.

The hosts were punished again in first-half stoppage time.

Lamine Yamal helped start a rapid counter-attack before Raphinha collected possession and released Adeyemi, who finished confidently to score his first goal in Barcelona colours and make it 2-0.

Barcelona therefore entered half-time with a comfortable two-goal advantage despite Elche having enjoyed more possession during the opening period.

Flick was forced into an earlier change when Gavi suffered an injury shortly before the interval and was replaced by Pedri.

The introduction of Pedri helped Barcelona gain greater control in midfield after the restart.

Elche came close to reducing the deficit in the 52nd minute when Tete Morente struck the post, but Barcelona soon took complete control.

Anthony Gordon was introduced for Yamal in the 65th minute and made an immediate impact on his competitive debut.

Just two minutes after entering the match, Gordon was released into space and found Raphinha, who swept his finish beyond Matias Dituro for Barcelona’s third goal.

Gordon then produced his second assist four minutes later.

Dani Olmo played the England winger through on goal and, rather than shoot, Gordon unselfishly squared the ball for Fermin to finish into an empty net and make it 4-0.

Fermin completed the scoring in spectacular fashion in the 79th minute.

After receiving Xavi Espart’s pass on the edge of the area, the midfielder turned brilliantly away from Federico Redondo before firing across the goalkeeper to score his second of the night.

Barcelona comfortably managed the closing stages and secured a clean sheet to complete an impressive opening performance.

Raphinha was central to the victory, contributing two goals and an assist, while Fermin’s second-half brace highlighted Barcelona’s depth in attacking areas.

Adeyemi’s debut goal and Gordon’s two assists also provided an encouraging first competitive appearance for two of Barcelona’s new summer arrivals.

The result gives Flick’s side a commanding start to their bid for a LaLiga three-peat.

Barcelona will next host Athletic Club, while Elche will look to respond when they travel to Racing Santander.