Reigning champions make a statement in La Liga opener

The reigning back-to-back champions of La Liga are off to a flying start to their title defence. Barcelona dominated Elche and cruised to a 5-0 win in their league opener at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero on Sunday night, despite a delayed start to their 2026-27 campaign.

Barcelona's defence of their LaLiga title got off to a sensational start as Raphinha and Fermín López scored twice apiece in a 5-0 thrashing of Elche. The Blaugrana saw their start to the season delayed, but it was worth the wait for the fans who made the trip to Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.

Raphinha sets the tone, new boys shine

Raphinha, who endured an injury-hit campaign last term, got Barcelona going with a coolly converted penalty in the 14th minute after winning the spot-kick when Victor Chust pulled on his shirt. The captain was involved as the visitors doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, teeing up Karim Adeyemi to mark his LaLiga debut with a goal following a high-pressing sequence involving Marc Bernal and Lamine Yamal.

Adeyemi was handed the nod to start alongside Raphinha and Yamal, and he led the way for Barca in dribbles attempted (four) and completed (two). Raphinha, meanwhile, crafted a team-leading three chances and got all three of his shots on target — the former Leeds United attacker has now converted all nine penalties he has taken for Barca in all competitions.

Gavi forced off with injury blow

There was a sour note for Barcelona, however, as midfielder Gavi was forced off injured in the first half. The Spain international started alongside Marc Bernal and Fermín López but did not make it to half-time, going down holding his right leg. Given his history, there are fears he may have sustained another knee problem, though it remains unclear exactly what he suffered. Hansi Flick sent Pedri on in his place, and Barcelona made it 2-0 just before the break. The midfielder's pass completion of 78.6% was one of the lowest in the team before his exit, with the injury bringing a premature end to an over-exuberant display.

Gordon cameo and Fermín finish cap the rout

Lamine Yamal was given a breather midway through the second half after a quiet outing in which he attempted just two dribbles, and his replacement Anthony Gordon made an instant impact on his LaLiga bow. The former Newcastle man threaded a brilliant pass into Raphinha, who duly doubled his tally, before racing in behind an exposed Elche defence and calmly teeing up Fermín for a simple finish four minutes later. Fermín completed the rout in the 79th minute, brilliantly spinning clear of his marker and calmly finishing from close range.

Gordon could not have made more of an impact if he tried, providing two assists within six minutes of coming on. His pass into Raphinha for Barca's third was sensational, and he showed fantastic composure to set up Fermín when he could have shot himself. Gordon saw an effort kept out by Matias Dituro in the closing stages, as Barca rounded out with 4.13 expected goals (xG) to Elche's 0.72. Facundo Buonanotte had earlier hit the woodwork at the other end for the hosts.

Joan Garcia did not have to make a single save, with Elche bringing very little danger despite having more possession. Barcelona plundered 95 goals in LaLiga last term, 18 more than any other team, and their new additions ensured the Blaugrana kept up that momentum. The visitors made it 11 straight league wins against Elche.

Real Madrid had gotten Jose Mourinho's second stint going with a 2-1 win at Espanyol on Saturday, but this was a far more emphatic attacking display from the reigning champions, who overcame absences and a lack of rhythm to completely dominate on the road.