Barcelona thrash Elche 5-0 in La Liga opener

Barcelona began their La Liga title defence with a 5-0 thrashing of Elche at the Martinez Valero Stadium, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez each scoring twice and debutant Anthony Gordon setting up two goals Source: Al Jazeera. The win came a day after Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid edged Espanyol 2-1, sending an early warning to the Portuguese coach that the Catalans will not relinquish the title easily Source: Al Jazeera.

Key performances

• Raphinha opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 14 minutes, then added a second after the break Source: Al Jazeera.
• Karim Adeyemi, another debutant, doubled the lead before halftime, while Lopez completed the scoring with two late goals Source: Al Jazeera.
• Gordon, a substitute, provided two assists in an electric cameo Source: Al Jazeera.

Context and changes

Barcelona's squad has undergone significant changes, with Rodri arriving from Manchester City and Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departing Source: Al Jazeera. The club is still seeking a traditional striker, with sporting director Deco admitting, "What Ferran did we can cover with the signings, but what Robert did is more difficult" Source: Al Jazeera. Flick started several regulars on the bench as they recover from the World Cup, and Lamine Yamal, though below his best, started on the right Source: Al Jazeera.

Raphinha told reporters, "Whether a game is easy or hard depends on us. If we start playing at the maximum level, we're likely to win" Source: Al Jazeera.