Barcelona start Liga campaign with 5-0 win over Elche

Barcelona have begun their Liga campaign with a commanding victory over Elche, reinforcing their status as the reigning Spanish champions. The 5-0 result gives Hans-Dieter Flick’s side an ideal opening and provides an early indication of the attacking strength they can bring to the season.

Raphinha broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 14th minute. Barcelona had to wait before creating a more comfortable cushion, but Adeyemi’s goal in the third minute of first-half added time doubled their advantage just before the interval.

The champions continued to impose themselves after the restart. Raphinha scored again in the 67th minute, completing his brace and taking Barcelona’s lead to three. Lopez then added two goals, first in the 71st minute and again eight minutes later, to complete the five-goal haul.

Barcelona therefore leave the opening round with three points and a substantial goal difference, while Elche begin the campaign on the wrong side of a heavy defeat. The result does not settle the title race after one match, but it gives Barcelona a strong early platform and underlines the scale of the challenge facing their rivals. Their next league results will show whether this emphatic start develops into sustained form, but the champions have already made a clear statement through the margin of victory and the distribution of their goals.