The Japan Times - Liga holders Barcelona crush Elche, Atletico salvage Villarreal draw

Earlier, Atletico Madrid salvaged a 2-2 draw against Villarreal despite having defender Robin Le Normand sent off.

After watching Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid defeat Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday with a late winner, Barcelona's display warned the Portuguese coach that the Catalans will not relinquish the title easily.

Karim Adeyemi also struck on his debut as Barca made light work of a vulnerable Elche side at the Martinez Valero stadium.

Hansi Flick started with several regular starters on the bench as they continue to get up to speed following the World Cup.

Teenage winger Lamine Yamal, a key part of the triumphant Spain squad, did start on the right but was far from his best, although it did not matter given Barca's otherwise sparkling display.

"Five goals against this team is good, Elche play fantastic football," Flick told reporters.

"We are really happy that we won 5-0, three points, this is a fantastic start for us. It give us the confidence we need for the next matches."

Brazil international Raphinha lined up as the team's number nine, after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left the club, and shone.

Barcelona are still looking for a striker after Atletico Madrid rejected their bid to sign Julian Alvarez.

"I'll leave that to the president," said Raphinha, when asked if Barca needed to sign a number nine. "I am comfortable (anywhere) on the pitch."

Raphinha was cut down in the box by Victor Chust and stroked home the resulting penalty after 14 minutes to get Flick's team on their way.

Rapid winger Adeyemi, playing on the left, started shakily but grew into the game and doubled Barca's lead before the break after Raphinha unselfishly set him up.

In the second half, former Newcastle United winger Gordon, on as a substitute, teed up Raphinha for his second and then supplied Lopez for Barca's fourth in an electric and impressive cameo.

Youngster Xavi Espart played in Lopez, who endured a difficult summer after missing Spain's World Cup triumph through injury, for his second to seal Barcelona's comfortable triumph.

"We ended up feeling good... it was a great game from the team, we're still getting up to speed and we have to carry on like this," said Lopez.

"I was really excited to start the season well, it was tough for me (this summer)... and I'm happy."

Flick's high-line defence showed the occasional sign of its usual frailty but goalkeeper Joan Garcia did well when called on to keep a clean sheet.

- Alvarez returns -

In the capital, Giuliano Simeone grabbed Atletico a draw after Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze's penalties put Villarreal in front following Marc Pubill's 59th-minute opener.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone brought Julian Alvarez on as a second-half substitute to a chorus of boos from home supporters.

The forward walked down the tunnel at the end by himself while his team-mates were thanking the fans after securing their draw.

"It wasn't Julian's decision, it was a decision from the club," said Diego Simeone.

"I think that we all have to be united, Julian is with us in the team, while he's here we will support him," Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told DAZN.

"It's not a comfortable situation for anyone, I hope it's resolved and we're all happy at the end of the season."

Simeone began with Alvarez on the bench, and fans jeered as his name was read aloud by the stadium announcer at the Metropolitano stadium, after his attempt to leave the club this summer amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Atletico took the lead just before the hour mark when Spain defender Pubill scored from long range, curling powerfully into the top corner.

Moreno levelled from the penalty spot after Morten Hjulmand clumsily felled Tajon Buchanan.

Simeone sent on Alvarez for his first appearance of the season, with Atletico fans showing their anger at the Argentina international.

With 12 minutes remaining, Villarreal took the lead with another penalty, after Mikautadze had been shoved over by Le Normand, who was sent off. Mikautadze took the spot-kick himself and calmly slotted home.

Atletico playmaker Alex Baena played in Simeone's son Giuliano to finish with five minutes remaining.

Elsewhere, Getafe beat Racing Santander 1-0 thanks to a late Enes Unal goal.

K.Tanaka--JT