Raphinha, Fermín López both score two each as Barcelona open campaign with 5-0 win


Raphinha and Fermín López scored two goals each as Barcelona cruised to a 5-0 victory at Elche.

Newcomer Karim Adeyemi also scored for Hansi Flick's team, which is looking to win a third straight La Liga title.

It was the biggest win so far in the competition this season.

Lamine Yamal appeared to be upset when he was replaced in the second half.

Fermín López joined Raphinha in scoring a brace against Elche.
Fermín López joined Raphinha in scoring a brace against Elche.
Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images

Flick's team are aiming to win a third consecutive title this season having pipped arch rivals Real Madrid in each of the last two campaigns.

They made a fast start against the side that finished 15th last season.

After 14 minutes, Fermín López fired an excellent first-time through ball into Raphinha, who was brought down by Víctor Chust and picked himself up to score from the spot past goalkeeper Matías Dituro.

Raphinha turned provider for Barca's second. It was his ball into the middle that found Adeyemi and the Germany international took a touch before opening his account for his new club.

England international Gordon came on for his debut and wasted little time in making an impact. With almost his first touch, the former Newcastle winger picked out Raphinha in space for the Brazilian to bag his second.

Facundo Buonanotte, on loan from Brighton, struck the woodwork for Elche in the closest they came all game to threatening Joan García's clean sheet in the Barca goal.

Gordon made it a memorable bow by setting up his new team's fourth, selflessly choosing to square the ball for Fermin Lopez to score in the 71st minute rather than go for goal himself.

The final goal was arguably the best of the lot. Xavi Espart played the ball up to Fermin Lopez who had his back to goal, and in a quick, clever movement, he span his defender Federico Redondo to make space before firing into the bottom corner to complete the rout.

The one downside for Flick was an injury to Gavi who had to be withdrawn at half-time to be replaced by Pedri, though he was seen on the pitch at the end of the match and the problem did not appear to be serious.

Information from PA and the Associated Press contributed to this report.