The volumes of analysis dissecting Brazil’s debacle at the recent World Cup have already been written, but few have taken a closer look at Raphinha’s injury. Many would wonder if one player would really have saved them from that disaster. But what a player he is. Last season, too, when he missed games through injury, Barca went on to lose two trophies (eliminations by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Copa del Rey). Brazil would therefore have been a completely different proposition in the knockout stages of the World Cup had they been able to count on their Barcelona captain.Anyway, he displayed all his brilliance and versatility at the start of the new La Liga season. He plugged the biggest hole currently facing the reigning Spanish champions — the one at the top of the attack — and practically created the win in Elche. First came a penalty, which he won himself, to break the deadlock early; then an assist for Adeyemi, a welcome gift to his new teammate and the perfect route to victory just before the break.9 – Raphinha ha convertido los nueve penaltis que ha lanzado con el @FCBarcelona en todas las competiciones.Desde que llegó al equipo blaugrana en la 2022/23, es el jugador de LaLiga que ha marcado más goles de penalti en todas las competiciones sin fallar ningún lanzamiento.… pic.twitter.com/xHLb9HCOQ0— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 23, 2026 Barcelona’s second-biggest signing of the the current transfer window, Anthony Gordon, came on in the 65th minute and, within the next six, registered two assists — the first for Raphinha. The finishing touch belonged to Fermín Lopez, who scored twice to complete the rout against Elche and send a message to his own board: go ahead and sign a striker, but there is no need to rush — choose wisely (imagine if it really were Julian Alvarez joining this team; who could stop them?) — and an even stronger message to Jose Mourinho’s considerably reinforced Real Madrid: 5-0 in the opening round of La Liga!Balde close to leaving BarcelonaEverything perfect? Well, not quite. The one cloud over Hansi Flick’s Barcelona was Gavi’s injury late in the first half. Sporting his post-World Cup hairstyle — pink hair — and looking extremely concerned, the midfielder limped off the pitch. Given his history of injuries, there will be hours, perhaps days, of anxiety while everyone awaits the club medical team’s report. What we saw from Hansi Flick’s Barca was an extremely pragmatic side. They allowed their opponents a slight edge in possession during the first half and played such direct football that, at times, it felt as though they had disguised themselves as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Unlike their opponents, however, they took their chances. In fact, it was only Fermín Lopez’s goals that provided the finishing touch to Barca’s trademark possession-based, carefully constructed football. The previous three goals came after opposition mistakes, interceptions and lightning-fast transitions.Finally: Barca sign RodriJust as the hosts failed to make the most of their opportunities — they hit the post twice in the second half, with Buonanotte missing two sitters within the space of two minutes (69th and 70th) — the Catalans were virtually flawless in front of goal. Even Lamine Yamal barely had to earn his money tonight, playing 65 minutes without making much of an impact. That was when the “hungry” Gordon entered the game and immediately produced two assists, showing exactly what Barcelona got for 80,000,000 euros. And then Fermín put the icing on the cake, giving himself his first grade of the new season after the summer break — a straight five out of five!LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 2ThursdayRayo Vallecano – Alaves 1-1 (0-0)/Camello 48 – Diaz 84/FridayBetis – Sociedad 1-0 (0-0)/Riquelme 63/SaturdayAthletic Bilbao – Sevilla 1-3 (0-1)/Paredes 70 – Oso 15, Ejuke 50, Romero 57/Valencia – Celta 0-0Espanyol – Real Madrid 1-2 (1-1)/Calatrava 30 – Bellingham 9, Espi 90/SundayAtletico Madrid – Villarreal 2-2 (0-0)/Pubill 59, Simeone 85 – Moreno 66(p), Mikautadze 78(p)/Getafe – Racing Santander 1-0 (0-0)/Unal 81/Elche – Barcelona 0-5 (0-2)/Raphinha 14(p), 67, Adeyemi 45+3, Lopez 71, 79/Monday20.30: (1.85) Osasuna (3.50) Levante (4.40)22.30: (2.50) Malaga (3.10) Deportivo A Coruna (3.05)***odds are subject to change***
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