Barcelona kicks off La Liga title defense with Elche rout
FC Barcelona began their La Liga title defense with a dominant 5-0 victory over Elche. The match featured strong performances from new signings and established players.
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As a major European football league, La Liga results have significant global interest and impact on sports betting and fan engagement.
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FC Barcelona kicked off its La Liga title defense with a convincing 5-0 win away to Elche on Sunday.
Barcelona took an early lead from the penalty spot through Raphinha, and debutant Karim Adeyemi doubled the advantage before halftime following an assist from Raphinha.
Barcelona's Fermin Lopez (L) vies with Elche's Gonzalo Villar during the Spanish La Liga football match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona in Elche, Spain, Aug. 23, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
New signing Anthony Gordon came on as a second-half substitute before providing assists for Raphinha to score his second of the game and for Fermin Lopez to tap home Barcelona's fourth.
Lopez rounded off the scoring with an excellent individual goal in the 79th minute.
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