Strong Start for Barcelona
Barcelona began their pursuit of a third consecutive La Liga title with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over hosts Elche in the second round on Monday. Fielding a young lineup with numerous changes, coach Hansi Flick’s side displayed notable attacking efficiency despite the absence of a traditional striker following the departure of Polish forward Robert Lewandowski. Captain Raphinha led the charge, scoring a brace (14th minute, a penalty, and 67th), and also created the third goal just before halftime with a decisive pass to new German signing Karim Adeyemi (45+3). Spanish midfielder Fermín López returned to score another double (71st and 79th minutes). Summer arrival Anthony Gordon, who replaced young star Lamine Yamal in the second half, also left his mark by creating two goals within just four minutes (67th and 71st). However, this successful start was marred by the early exit of Spanish World Cup winner Gavi, who appeared to suffer an injury to his right knee, the same knee that underwent surgery in 2023 and 2025.
Meanwhile, depleted Atlético Madrid snatched a late draw against visitors Villarreal, ending the match 2-2. The "Roji-blancos" managed to salvage a point despite playing the final minutes with ten men after Robin Le Normand was sent off in the 76th minute. Argentine Julian Simeoni equalized for his team four minutes into stoppage time, after Gerard Moreno and Georgian Giorgi Mikautadze had put Villarreal ahead from two penalties (66th and 78th minutes), following Marc Bopp’s 59th-minute opener for the hosts.
Atlético coach Diego Simeone introduced his compatriot, Argentine forward Julián Álvarez, in the second half, amid boos from the crowd at the Metropolitano Stadium. Simeone had kept Álvarez on the bench, and fans began booing when his name was announced over the stadium speakers, following the player’s announcement earlier this summer that he wished to leave the Madrid club amid interest from rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Atlético took the lead just before the hour mark when defender Bopp scored from a powerful, curling long-range shot into the top corner (59th minute). However, their advantage was short-lived as Moreno equalized from a penalty after Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand committed an unjustified foul on Canadian substitute Tajon Buchanan inside the box (66th minute). Simeone then pushed Álvarez into the game, making his first appearance of the season, amidst continued displeasure from Atlético fans toward the Argentine international.
Twelve minutes from the end, the visitors took the lead again from another penalty, awarded after Le Normand fouled Mikautadze inside the area. The defender was subsequently sent off after a review by the assistant referee (VAR). Mikautadze successfully converted the penalty (78th minute). But Alex Baena, recently crowned World Cup champion with Spain, passed the ball to Julian Simeoni, son of the coach, to score the equalizer four minutes before the end of regular time.
As Atlético players applauded their fans at the final whistle, Álvarez left the pitch alone, heading toward the tunnel. Meanwhile, Getafe defeated visitors Racing Santander 1-0 with a solitary goal scored by Turkish striker Enes Ünal (81st minute). This marked Getafe’s first win in the domestic league this season, after they lost their opener 3-0 to Deportivo Alavés.
