Elche was beaten 0-5 by Barcelona in LaLiga, with Argentine coach Martín Anselmi reviewing the defeat and urging the team to rise. The blow came in the first home match of the season, where the reigning champions dominated.
Anselmi’s Analysis
The Argentine coach recalled that Elche had moments where it could compete equally and create goal opportunities, but the lack of efficiency in the final third proved decisive. He said: "When we compete together, we could damage. And they knew how to hit. The areas are decisive. You can’t give them any situation." Anselmi also focused on the Barça’s second goal, scored by Karim Adeyemi before halftime, which came at a time when Elche was close to equalising and completely changed the match’s scenario. Despite the rout, the coach ruled out significant consequences for the squad and stated: "Any sequelae? I don’t see them. A lot of pain from losing, but we must get up tomorrow to work." He also recalled the emotion he felt upon arriving at the stadium and seeing the large crowd.
Barcelona Begins Title Defence
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, started the title defence with a 5-0 win at the Martínez Valero. Raphinha opened the score at 14 minutes with a penalty, and his performance was highlighted throughout the afternoon. Just before the break, Raphinha assisted Adeyemi, who netted the second goal. In the second half, Raphinha scored again at 67 minutes after an assist from Anthony Gordon, and Fermín López sealed the rout with two goals at 71 and 79 minutes, also assisted by Gordon. Raphinha’s celebration with a Spider-Man gesture sparked social media comments linking it to Julián Álvarez, but the player’s partner clarified that the gesture was requested by their son Gael.
