FC Barcelona, the defending La Liga champions, started their season in the best possible way with a 5-0 victory over Elche. The Catalans dominated with ease thanks to a brace from Raphinha and another from Fermín, completed by a goal from new signing Adeyemi. The project of the new head coach Hansi Flick, who aims for a Champions League-La Liga-Copa del Rey treble since his arrival, began with four World Cup winners in the starting lineup, without fielding a traditional out-and-out striker.
In a team as attacking as Barcelona, this lack of a nine is not a handicap, as shown by the Spanish national team winning the last World Cup. At Elche, it was Raphinha who stepped into that role brilliantly, scoring twice and providing an assist. Youngster Gavi also shone in his first six minutes on the pitch by delivering two assists, one for Raphinha and the other for Fermín. The Blaugrana showed great efficiency against a bold Elche side, which was hampered by numerous errors in build-up play.
A Barcelona attack without a traditional striker
FC Barcelona lined up four World Cup winners at kick-off, including Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Robert Lewandowski. Despite the absence of a classic out-and-out striker, the team adapted well to this attacking profile. Raphinha, who scored a brace, filled that role successfully, as highlighted by Spain’s performance in the last World Cup. The Brazilian thus confirmed his importance in Hansi Flick’s tactical setup. The Catalan club is banking on the versatility of its players to compensate for the absence of a pure number nine. Fermín, who also scored a brace in the match, contributed to this attacking dynamic. Barcelona thus demonstrated that it could rely on a varied and effective attack, even without a traditional striker leading the line.
An Elche punished by its errors and a Barcelona full of confidence
Elche, despite its ambitious start, was quickly overrun by the technical quality and attacking efficiency of the Blaugrana. The Valencians were penalized by numerous errors in build-up play, handing clear chances to Barcelona. Despite their best efforts, Elche could not withstand the pressure of a Barcelona brimming with confidence, which converted its chances into four goals in the first half. FC Barcelona thus confirmed its status as a title favorite in La Liga, with a victory that strengthens its credibility in the competition. The Catalans also showed that their project, focused on attack and versatility, could bear fruit from the very first matchday. A performance that bodes well for an ambitious season ahead for the club.
Antoine Seville · 24 août 2026 · 3 min de lecture
