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Barcelona began their title defence with a 5-0 win at Elche, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scoring twice each and debutant Karim Adeyemi adding the other. Anthony Gordon set up two goals on his own debut. A day earlier, Jose Mourinho’s first match back as Real Madrid manager ended in a 2-1 win at Espanyol, settled by a 90th-minute goal from substitute Carlos Espi.
Elche, Spain: Barcelona and Real Madrid both sat out the opening round of the season. Both have now started, and the champions made the louder entrance.
Hansi Flick left several regulars on the bench at the Martinez Valero, his squad still finding fitness after the World Cup. It made no difference whatsoever. Barcelona scored five and conceded nothing.
Two Debuts, Five Goals
The opening goal came after fourteen minutes and set the pattern. Fermin Lopez slid a first-time through ball to Raphinha, who was brought down by Victor Chust, picked himself up and beat Matias Dituro from the spot.
Karim Adeyemi, the summer arrival playing on the left, began shakily but grew into the match and doubled the lead three minutes into first-half stoppage time on his debut. Raphinha added his second in the 67th.
Elche’s best moment followed immediately — a shot against the post in the 68th, then another chance smothered by Joan Garcia. At 3-0 it was as close as they came.
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Fermin Lopez then scored twice inside eight minutes, the second a turn past his marker for Barcelona’s fifth, capping a return from the injury that had cost him the 2026 World Cup. Anthony Gordon, also making his first appearance, supplied two assists.
Lamine Yamal, who had a shot inside the opening ten minutes, appeared unhappy at being substituted in the second half.
Mourinho’s Return Takes Longer
Real Madrid’s first match under Jose Mourinho on Saturday was a considerably more laboured affair. Bellingham put them ahead after nine minutes at the RCDE Stadium, but Calatrava levelled on the half-hour and Espanyol held out until the very end.
The winner arrived in the 90th minute through substitute Carlos Espi — three points, and a winning start for the returning coach.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid drew 2-2 with Villarreal after Marc Pubill’s opener was cancelled out by a Gerard Moreno penalty, and Giuliano Simeone levelling when Georges Mikautadze scored 2nd Villarreal penalty. The hosts finished with ten men after Robin Le Normand was sent off.
Flick’s Squad, and What’s Missing
Barcelona are chasing a third consecutive title, having finished ahead of Real Madrid in each of the last two seasons. The squad has been reshaped — Gordon, Adeyemi, Joao Cancelo and Rodri have all arrived, though Rodri is not yet match fit — but the centre-forward position remains unresolved, with the transfer window still open.
Against a side that finished 15th last season, it did not matter. Whether it matters against better opposition is the question the next fortnight will answer, and quickly: Athletic Club visit in four days, and Rayo Vallecano follow on 31 August. Three matchdays in eight days, a consequence of the delayed start.
Results — La Liga 2026-27, Matchday 2
Elche 0-5 Barcelona (Raphinha 14′ pen, 67′; Karim Adeyemi 45+3′; Fermin Lopez 71′, 79′)
Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid (Calatrava 30′; Bellingham 9′, Carlos Espi 90′)
Atletico Madrid 2-2 Villarreal (Marc Pubill 59′, Giuliano Simeone 85′; Gerard Moreno 66′ pen, Georges Mikautadze 78′ pen; Red card: Robin Le Normand 76′)
