· 2 min readIn this Elche vs Barcelona match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Barcelona had an excellent opportunity to start La Liga with three points, but there were a few interesting things to keep an eye on. Rodri, the big steal from Real Madrid, was injured, while Adeyemi started instead of Gordon. And there was also the question of how this team would function without Lewandowski, especially against deep-lying opponents.
Elche, newly back in the fight for survival after finishing just one point above relegation last season, started without fear. They defended in a 5-3-2, but weren’t simply sitting back waiting for the counter. They wanted to play on equal terms, and at least from an entertainment perspective, that was good news.
Barcelona, however, took the lead in the 14th minute. Raphinha received the ball inside the box, was closed down well, cut to his right and won a penalty. The captain took responsibility and sent it brilliantly into the corner. 0-1.
But the scoreline was a little misleading. Barcelona weren’t dominating and actually had less possession. Raphinha often dropped deeper, effectively playing as a false 9, while Adeyemi occupied the left. Chances were scarce at both ends and Elche, despite their positive approach, couldn’t turn their initiative into any real danger.
The game was so evenly balanced that it felt strange to see Barcelona in front. Until, deep into first-half stoppage time, another moment of quality appeared. Yamal played the ball to Raphinha, who carried it forward and sent Adeyemi through. The German found himself completely alone and finished into the corner. 0-2, with Raphinha getting both a goal and an assist. Barcelona had played below expectations in the first half, but were scoring with far too much ease.
And there was also some bad news: Gavi went off injured before half-time and Pedri came on in his place.
In the second half, Barcelona finally started to look more like what was expected. They had more of the ball, controlled the game better and started finding spaces. Raphinha wasted an excellent opportunity after an unbelievable trivela from Yamal, but in the 67th minute he didn’t miss. Gordon received the ball in space on the left, found Raphinha completely free inside the box and the Brazilian made it 0-3. Two goals and an assist.
Elche hit the post through Lucas Cepeda and tried to respond, but their defense was falling apart. Whenever they lost the ball, they looked completely disorganized. In the 71st minute, Dani Olmo found Gordon, who carried the ball forward and set up Fermín. 0-4 and Gordon’s second assist in just six minutes.
The fifth came in the 79th minute. Fermín received with his back to goal, turned away from his marker, carried the ball inside and finished. 0-5.
Post-match
It’s a heavy result for an Elche side that had a decent first half, but their defensive problems are far too obvious.
For Barcelona, it’s a perfect start in terms of the result, although the first half did raise a few questions. Raphinha was the standout player, Gordon made a huge impact off the bench and Fermín finished with two goals.
