Barcelona made a statement start to their La Liga title defense. Hansi Flick’s side put on a goal-scoring show away at Elche in their opening match of the new season, thrashing the hosts 5-0 to begin the campaign in style.
Rafinha and Fermin Lopez each scored twice in Barcelona’s big win. New signing Karim Adeyemi found the net on his debut, while Anthony Gordon caught the eye after coming off the bench to set up two goals.
Barcelona pressed Elche from the start. Rafinha put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute from the penalty spot. Before halftime, Adeyemi doubled the lead, converting a Rafinha assist to mark his Barcelona debut with a goal.
Barcelona’s attack grew even sharper after the break. Rafinha scored his second from a Gordon assist after the substitute came on, and Fermin then made it 4-0 with another Gordon assist. Even four goals up, Flick’s side kept up the pressure, and Fermin added his second late on from a Xavi Espart pass, sealing a commanding 5-0 win for the Catalans.
The five-goal win in their season opener sends a message to the reigning champions’ rivals, and secures a perfect start to Barcelona’s title defense with a full three points. Real Madrid also opened their league campaign with a win the day before, as Jose Mourinho’s side beat Espanyol 2-1 with a late goal away from home.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report