Sports Desk || Barcelona began their bid for a third consecutive La Liga title in emphatic fashion, thrashing Elche 5-0 in their opening match of the season.Brazilian forward Raphinha was the standout performer, scoring twice and setting up another as Hansi Flick’s side made a dominant start to their campaign.Barcelona controlled the game from the outset and took the lead in the 14th minute through a penalty. Raphinha was brought down by Elche defender Victor Chust after running onto a through ball from Fermin Lopez. The Brazilian made no mistake from the spot.The goal extended Raphinha’s perfect penalty record for Barcelona. He has now converted all nine penalties he has taken for the club since joining in the 2022-23 season. No player in Spanish football has scored more penalties than him across all competitions since his arrival.Barcelona doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when Raphinha set up Karim Adeyemi, who marked his La Liga debut with his first goal for the club.The hosts continued to dominate after the break. Raphinha scored his second in the 67th minute from a pass by new signing Anthony Gordon.Gordon also enjoyed an impressive La Liga debut. Coming on as a substitute, the English winger provided two assists within four minutes. His second set up Fermin Lopez for Barcelona’s fourth goal in the 71st minute.Fermin completed the rout late in the match with his second goal of the night, sealing a 5-0 victory for the Catalan giants.Elche struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the game. Their best opportunity came when a shot from Buonanotte struck the post.Barcelona’s only concern was an injury to Gavi, who was forced off late in the first half with a right-knee problem. Pedri replaced him. Flick said further medical tests would be needed to determine the extent of the injury.New signing Rodri was not included in the squad, but Barcelona nevertheless opened their La Liga campaign with an emphatic victory.