Any doubts about why Barça are the current league champions were quickly dispelled in this 0-5 win against Elche on their return to the competition. It was full of positives, with only an injury to Gavi a concern, but braces for Raphinha and Fermín, a debut goal for Adeyemi and two assist haul for Gordon from the bench made it a dream start for the blaugranes.

Champions and a legend honoured

Before kick-off, there were two tributes at the Martínez Valero stadium, with the home side acknowledging the blaugrana world champions and everyone honouring Marcial Pina, who played for Barça from 1969 to 1977, as well as Elche, on his 80th birthday.

It didn't take long for the current champions to show they are in good working order once the game got under way, despite a somewhat different preseason due to the World Cup. Even though the starting 11 featured some surprises, such as a defence of Eric, Christensen, Gerard Martín and Espart from right to left, the blaugranes began in assured fashion.

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Raphinha as always, and first goal for Adeyemi

With Joan Garcia solid behind the defence, Bernal, Gavi and Fermín showing great understanding in midfield, and speed on the wings through Lamine Yamal and debutant Adeyemi, the first goal came after 14 minutes. Another hallmark of how the team plays saw Xavi Espart press and divert a pass, before Fermín played in Raphinha, who dribbled and caused Chust to commit a clear penalty foul. The captain and striker stepped up to score from the spot past Dituro (0-1, min. 14).

Elche were giving as good as they got and Flick's side didn't rest on their laurels after the goal, with Bernal doing a good job of winning the ball back well in the opposite half. Not all good news, though, as a coming together saw Gavi have to leave the field to be replaced by Pedri just before half-time.

The team didn't let the blow affect them and a great move between Bernal and Lamine Yamal led to Raphinha playing Adeyemi into space to grab his first blaugrana goal (0-2, mn. 45+3). It would be more of the same after the break too.

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Two braces of goals and one of assists

Hansi Flick's requirement for constant effort came across loud and clear once again. Raphinha was looking for another goal and he got his brace from an assist by Gordon, who had just come on (0-3, min. 67). The Englishman would then complete his brace of assists by putting a goal on a plate for Fermín soon after (0-4, min. 71).

Just one more needed for five, and it proved to be another goal to complete a brace, as Fermín scored sublimely with a perfect turn and finish (0-5, min. 79). There was still time for Cancelo to get his first runout in his third spell as a blaugrana. The champions have hit the ground running.

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