Raphinha Shines in New Role; Barcelona Coach Flick Praises Opponent: "Elche Plays Fantastically"

The Catalans immediately showed in their first outing that they wouldn't relinquish the title easily. Due to the World Cup, Flick was without several regular starters. However, his charges were already leading 2-0 by halftime, thanks to Raphinha and La Liga debutant Karim Adeyemi.

In the second half, another new face, Englishman Anthony Gordon, entered the field. The winger assisted Raphinha's second goal and, after just six minutes on the pitch, had two assists to his name following Fermin Lopez's goal. The Spaniard, who missed the World Cup due to injury, then added his second precise strike.

Brazilian Raphinha played as a central striker after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departed the club. Barcelona is still trying to acquire a new striker, and Raphinha also addressed the question of whether the club needs attacking reinforcements.

"I'll leave that to the president. I feel good in any position. Today we played a tough match against a team that likes to keep possession. It's not easy to come here and win by such a margin," the Brazilian stated, according to AFP.

Coach Flick agreed: "Five goals against this opponent is a great result. Elche plays fantastic football, and for us, it's an ideal boost for the upcoming matches," said the German coach. For Barcelona players, this was their first league match in the second round, as participants in at least the World Cup semifinals were entitled to a break, based on an agreement between the players' association and the league management. Their home rescheduled match against Athletic Bilbao awaits them on Thursday, August 27th.

In the capital on Sunday, Atletico player Giuliano Simeone secured a point by equalizing in the 85th minute. Diego Simeone's side was already down to ten men after defender Robin Le Normand was sent off. A total of four goals were scored in the match, and Atletico conceded both from penalties, but it was substitute Alvarez who garnered the most attention from fans and media alike after the game.

The Argentine has been linked with a move away from the club all summer, and he himself has publicly expressed his desire to leave multiple times. Barcelona is reportedly the most interested in his services. However, the club's management has rejected all offers so far. Earlier in the week, fans expressed their dissatisfaction with messages displayed around the training ground. For example, a crossed-out number 19, which Alvarez wears on his jersey, was placed by the road.

He came on in the 66th minute, and home fans at the stadium greeted him with whistles. After the match, the striker went to the dressing room alone, while his teammates thanked the fans for securing a point.

Simeone explained that it wasn't the player's own decision. "People at the club agreed that he shouldn't go near the stands and the fans. The club decided he should go to the dressing room. My opinion remains the same. We must stick together; only then will we achieve success. We need good strikers, we have them, and we must value them," said Simeone, who was pleased with the team's reaction after the red card.

"We need to manage the phases of the game where we are leading much better. However, I also take positives from this. The team reacted to a teammate's sending off in the right way. Physically, we are still not where we want to be, and with all players in top form, we will be even better," the Argentine coach assessed the match, according to Marca newspaper.

Long-serving "Los Colchoneros" goalkeeper Jan Oblak also commented on the situation. "Julian is still part of the team, and as long as he's with us, we will constantly support him. Of course, it's not a pleasant situation for anyone. I believe it will be resolved soon, and at the end of the season, we will all be happy," declared Oblak. Slovak international Dávid Hancko is a stable part of Atletico's defense and, like in the first round, played the entire match.