Result and goals

Barcelona kicked off its LaLiga campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Elche at the Martínez Valero on 23 August 2026. Goals came at minutes 13 (Raphinha), 47 (Karim Adeyemi), 66 (Raphinha), 70 (Fermín) and 78 (Fermín). The referee was Alejandro Quintero González.

Tactics and performance

Hansi Flick kept his philosophy of verticality, speed and play in space. Raphinha, in his role as a false nine and captain, was the offensive engine, scoring twice and showing the versatility that defines the squad. Adeyemi added a goal with his quickness and finish, while Fermín sealed the match with two goals. Gordon, with his generosity, contributed an assist and a goal in the final phase.

The Barça pressed from the start, forcing Elche to make mistakes and gaining control of the game. The lack of a central striker was compensated by the creativity of the wingers and the depth of the midfielders. Pedri, who replaced injured Gavi, helped keep possession and extend the attacks.

Flick’s outlook

Flick, who rarely changes his lineup, kept most of the Masia players as starters. Xavi Espart was positioned on the left side of the defense after Balde was not called up, while Eric García took the right alongside Koundé. The lack of a centre-forward is noticeable, but the team shows it can compensate with its collective play.

The 5-0 result is the most optimistic for Barça in the season, especially when the squad is incomplete. The absence of a striker who can add the 40 goals of last season, as Lewandowski (19) and Ferran Torres (21) did, is felt, but the collective performance under Flick shows the team can still dominate.

Additional details

Lamine Yamal, a spectator of the match, was upset by a change that coincided with Gordon’s display. Referee Alejandro Quintero González controlled the game without significant incidents. Barcelona displayed a combination of speed, depth and pressure that left Elche without options.

The match was a clear example of Flick’s brand at Barça, with a style that imposed its dominance and left the opponent doubtless.