Raphinha, Lopez Hit Braces as Barcelona Trounce Elche
Raphinha and Karim Adeyemi each scored twice as Barcelona opened its title defense with a comfortable win over a vulnerable Elche side.
- Barcelona opened their La Liga campaign on Sunday by defeating Elche at the Martinez Valero stadium, with Raphinha scoring from the penalty spot after 14 minutes to set Hansi Flick's team on their way.
- Following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Raphinha lined up as Barcelona's number nine while manager Hansi Flick rotated the squad to manage player fitness after the World Cup.
- Debutant Karim Adeyemi scored after Raphinha set him up, while substitute Gordon provided two crucial assists for Raphinha and Lopez; goalkeeper Joan Garcia maintained a clean sheet.
- Reflecting on the match, Raphinha told Movistar, "This is a difficult place to go and they're a team that like to have the ball, but we did very well." He remains comfortable playing anywhere on the pitch.
- Barca's display warned Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho that the Catalans will not relinquish the title easily, following his Real Madrid side's 2-1 victory over Espanyol on Saturday.
46 Articles
46 Articles
The blue grana score after an excellent aim exercise led by Raphinha's versatility and Gordon's generosity with Lamine Yamal as a spectator
The score leaves the Elche without victories at the start of the championship, while Barcelona already thinks about the Athletic Club
Raphinha, Lopez hit braces as Barcelona trounce Elche
After watching Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid defeat Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday with a late winner, Barca's display warned the Portuguese coach that the Catalans will not relinquish the title easily. Karim Adeyemi also found the net on his debut as Barca made light work of a vulnerable Elche side at the Martinez Valero stadium. Hansi Flick started with several regular starters on the bench as they continue to get up to speed following the World Cup. …
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