Barcelona thrash Elche 5-0 to launch La Liga title defense

Barcelona began their La Liga title defense with a resounding 5-0 victory over hosts Elche on Sunday evening in the second round of the competition.

The Catalan side claimed their first three points of the season after their opening match against Athletic Bilbao was postponed, starting their campaign with a convincing win and a clean sheet.

Barcelona's goals came from Raphinha, who scored twice, Karim Adeyemi, and Fermín López, who also netted a brace, sealing the emphatic five-goal triumph.

Elche remain on one point after drawing 1-1 with Deportivo La Coruña in the first round, before suffering their first defeat of the season.