A quick calendar clarification before we start handing out confetti: Elche-Barça was played on 23 August 2026, in Matchday 2, but it was the Blaugrana’s league debut. And what a debut: 0-5 at Martínez Valero, with Raphinha opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute—after winning the penalty himself—and Karim Adeyemi making it 0-2 just before half-time. In between, Gavi had to leave the pitch injured and Pedri came on in his place: a change that wasn’t on the menu, like finding an olive in your ice cream. (LaLiga)

After the break, Elche tried to get back into the game, and Facundo Buonanotte even struck the post. But Anthony Gordon’s introduction turned the wing into a delivery service: two assists in a matter of minutes, first for Raphinha to complete his brace in the 67th minute, then for Fermín to make it 0-4 in the 71st. Fermín struck again in the 79th, assisted by Xavi Espart, leaving the scoreline so emphatic that the scoreboard nearly called for an hydration break. Sources: LaLiga — match report, scorers and timeline · FC Barcelona — official match page · EL PAÍS — match report and live coverage. (LaLiga)