Sunday's La Liga clash at the Camp Nou pitted Barcelona against Elche.
The Catalan outfit twice hit the crossbar in the first period before taking the lead through Lionel Messi.
However, they finished the half with 10 men after Javier Mascherano was sent from the field for bringing Garry Rodrigues to the ground just outside the box.
Barcelona had their second goal early in the second half, however, with 18-year-old Munir El Haddadi scoring on his first-team debut, before Messi added a third just past the hour mark.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's La Liga coverage resumes from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Elche. It is a new era for the Catalan outfit, with new boss Luis Enrique tasked with leading his team to silverware this season. Elche, however, will once more be battling against the drop. Right, first and foremost let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news from Catalonia.
TEAMS:
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Mascherano, Mathieu, Alba; Rakitic, Busquests, Iniesta; Rafinha, Messi, Munir
ELCHE: Tyton; Suarez, Lomban, Pelegrin, Albacar; Mosquera, Jose Angel, Pasalic; Rodrigues, Coro, Jonathas
So there we have it. Plenty of big news in the Barcelona XI. There are league debuts for summer signings Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu and Ivan Rakitic, while there are also two first-team debuts in attack, with Rafinha and Munir El-Haddadi both in the XI. Rafinha thrived during a loan spell at Celta Vigo last season, while Munir had a fine pre-season for the Catalan outfit. Dani Alves also starts at right-back despite talk of the Brazilian leaving the Camp Nou, with Jordi Alba on the opposite side.
For Elche, Przemyslaw Tyton, Pedro Mosquera, Mario Pasalic, Victor Rodrigues and Jonathas all come in for their debuts, with the latter captaining the team from attack. There are also starts for Damian Suarez and Coro, but Adrian is only named on the bench. Plenty of new players on display tonight!
Our preview of this match can be found here, with yours truly On the Sofa...
Barcelona failed to pick up a major trophy last season, losing to Atletico Madrid in both the league and Champions League and to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. Lionel Messi missed a large chunk of the campaign, however, while Neymar was hit-and-miss during his first year in Spain. Both will surely fire in the new season, while there is the small matter of Luis Suarez, who finally completed his move from Liverpool this summer and will be available from the end of October.
As mentioned, the corresponding match last season brought a 4-0 Barcelona win, but Elche did hold the Catalan outfit to a goalless draw on their own patch in May. Enrique's side enter the match in fine form having beaten Club Leon 6-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday evening. Before that, Barca had also put six unanswered goals past HJK Helsinki.
Barcelona finished third last season, three points behind winners Atletico Madrid, who claimed the title with a point at the Camp Nou on the final weekend of the season. Barcelona's home record in the league last term was extremely strong, with 16 wins from their 19 matches and just one defeat, with Valencia surprise winners at the Camp Nou. However, this is a new season which will bring fresh challenges.
The Catalan outfit lost four times on their travels, however, with those defeats ultimately harming their challenge for the title. It was considered a disappointing La Liga campaign, but they still won 27 of their 38 matches – the same number as Real Madrid and just one less than champions Atletico.
Elche, meanwhile, survived by their fingertips last season, eventually finishing in 16th position, just one point outside of the bottom three. They were the lowest scorers in the league with just 30 strikes and managed just nine wins. They have also lost their best player this summer, with Carlos Sanchez moving on to Aston Villa. However, they do have a squad that now knows what it takes to survive in this league.
Last season marked Elche's return to La Liga for the first time in 24 years and the fact that they remained in the division was an impressive feat. They travel to Barcelona and Real Madrid in their first five matches of the season, but that run also includes fixtures against Rayo Vallecano, Granada and Eibar and it is those games that will determine whether they can remain in the league.
Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Barcelona open their La Liga campaign at home to Elche. As seen in the video preview below, I have predicted a 4-0 home win. Right, it is the away side that get the first 45 minutes underway at the Camp Nou.
It must be said that the pitch is in brilliant condition this evening. It is also a wonderfully warm evening in Catalonia. The scene has been set. Incredibly, a cat has joined us on the pitch! He/she tried to take the ball away from Alves at right-back, but the Brazilian showed great skill to clear!
THE BLACK CAT HAS TAKEN CENTRE STAGE!
Right, the cat has been carried into the sunset, or out of the stadium. Now we can get on with the football. Barcelona are keeping possession in their own half, with Elche retreating into a defensive shape.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking chances in the opening minutes, but Barcelona are in control of the possession. Munir attempts to force the issue in a wide area, but returns the ball to Alba in an offside position. You just get the feeling that Elche need to ride out the opening 15 minutes or so here.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Rafinha drives into the Elche box, but the former Celta loanee cannot move away from the challenge of Suarez. It has been a typical early-season match thus far.
Barcelona continue to pass the ball in the final third, but Elche are extremely compact in defensive areas. Munir delivers a brilliant pass into Messi moments later before the Argentine crosses towards the far post, but Lomban is on hand to make the clearance. Still goalless with 10 minutes on the clock.
It is almost like a training exercise at the moment as Barcelona camp out in the final third. It is a defensive exercise for Elche, but they also carry a threat in the final third. Jonathas and Rodrigues attempt to combine down the right, but Mathieu is across to clear the danger at the vital moment.
Alves comes close to finding the back of the net for Barcelona after meeting a through pass from Messi, but the linesman's flag had been raised. Alves was clattered by the Elche goalkeeper, but the flag had already been raised. Elche are down the other end moments later, but Lomban loses control.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Alba delivers a low cross towards Messi, but Suarez is across to make the challenge. The resulting corner is delivered into the box by Iniesta, it falls to Rakitic, but his effort is wide of the post. Still no real chances, but Barcelona are in control with 16 minutes played.
Iniesta is next to try his luck for Barcelona, but his effort is straight at Albacar. Elche simply cannot keep the ball, however, as the home side continue to dominate. Munir threatens to run behind Lomban moments later, but the defender manages to clear. The 18-year-old has been bright and inventive thus far.
Iniesta appears to have a problem here after being caught by Rodrigues, but the Barcelona skipper seems fit to continue. The tempo has just dropped in the last couple of minutes, which will certainly suit Elche.
CROSSBAR! Munir comes close to scoring his first league goal for Barcelona after turning inside the Elche box before striking one towards goal, but his effort smashes against the crossbar.
Messi is next to come close for the home side after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Barcelona are just starting to force the issue with some shooting chances.
Just a reminder that Barcelona's title rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are both in action tomorrow. Real host Cordoba, while Atletico travel to Rayo Vallecano. Right, little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining at the Camp Nou and still Elche hold the Catalan outfit to a goalless draw.
Barcelona continue to dominate the ball in the final third, but credit must be given to Elche for frustrating the likes of Messi and Rafinha. You just get the feeling that Elche need to score the first goal in this match if they are to stand a chance of returning with something from their efforts.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Bravo has touched the ball once in the opening 30 minutes of this match. Not too much to do for the goalkeeper on his Barcelona debut! Rakitic drives towards the Elche box down the other end moments later, but the Croatian goes down under a late challenge from Mosquera.
Munir is again involved for Barcelona as the 18-year-old collects a cross from Rafinha just inside the Elche box, but Suarez is across to clear at the vital moment. Alves delivers a dangerous cross from the opposite side moments later, but this time Pelegrin is on hand to clear with a powerful header.
CROSSBAR! Barcelona rattle the crossbar for the second time this evening as Iniesta smashes the woodwork with an effort from outside the box. They are getting closer!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona once again as Alves arrives unmarked inside the Elche box before meeting a cross on the half-volley, but his effort just flashes wide of the post.
A wonderful pass from Rakitic brings another half-chance for Barcelona, but Messi, who had met the through ball from the Croatian, had moved into an offside position. The Catalan outfit continue to threaten, but Elche survive once more with little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Just a reminder that Barcelona still have the likes of Neymar and Suarez to come into this XI - that is a scary thought. Munir is again involved for Barcelona as the 18-year-old drives a low cross into Messi, but Suarez manages to clear for another corner. The Argentine is causing panic inside the box.
CHANCE! Almost a wonderful Barcelona goal as Messi picks out Munir with a beautiful pass inside the Elche box, Munir attempts to return the favour to Rafinha, but the pass is just too long.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Elche (Messi)
Wonderful, just wonderful from Messi. The Argentine gets off the mark for the new La Liga season as he produces a brilliant turn on the edge of the box before rolling his effort into the bottom corner.
RED CARD! (Mascherano)
Oh my good grief! Barcelona have been reduced to 10 men here as Mascherano clips the legs of Rodrigues, who had been through on goal. What a couple of minutes here!
The resulting free kick is taken by Jonathas, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Well, Barcelona have the lead, but they are now down to 10 men. Who saw this coming!
We are into the second of two additional minutes at the Camp Nou and Elche have possession.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Elche
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 1-0 against Elche courtesy of a strike from Lionel Messi. It was all going very swimmingly for the home side, but they were reduced to 10 men late in the half when Mascherano was given a red for a last-man foul on Rodrigues.
STATS! Barcelona have utterly dominated possession with 82% of the ball, while they have had seven attempts on goal, including two that have rattled the crossbar. Elche have failed to hit the target with any of their three attempts, but will take confidence from that Mascherano red late in the half.
BENCH WATCH! It remains to be seen whether Barcelona boss Enrique brings another defender on at the interval, or whether Busquets slots into defence. Further forward, Pedro and Xavi are the two most likely to be introduced. Elche, meanwhile, have the likes of Aaron and Adrian Gonzalez in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. What an end to the first half at the Camp Nou - more of the same please. Barcelona get the second 45 minutes underway here.
SUB! Barcelona have indeed made a change with Bartra replacing Rafinha.
It is harsh on Rafinha, but Barcelona did need to make a change following that red card for Mascherano. As expected, the Catalan outfit have started the second period in complete control of the ball. Can Elche cause a shock on the opening weekend of the season? They will need the ball first!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Elche (Munir)
Remember the name! Barcelona have their second as Munir - on his first-team debut - flicks a brilliant effort into the back of the net after collecting a pass from Rakitic. Brilliant from both players.
Game, set and match? Quite probably. Barcelona might be down to 10 men, but they are in complete control here and it would not be a surprise to see a couple more goals arrive at the Camp Nou.
Munir is again involved for Barcelona after driving into the Elche box, but there are no takers on his low cross. Elche have hardly featured in the second period despite having the extra man. Munir is again involved moments later, but the 18-year-old cannot run away from the challenge of Suarez.
Bravo firmly has something to do as the Barcelona goalkeeper comes to collect a cross from the right before releasing Messi down the other end. The Argentine attempts to run away from Pelegrin, but just steps on the ball at the vital moment. Elche appear to be preparing their first change of the match.
SUB! Indeed the change is made as Alvaro replaces Jose Angel for the away side.
BOOKING! Pasalic goes into the book for Elche for a late challenge on Alba.
It is so comfortable for Barcelona at the moment, with their midfield three enjoying plenty of the ball. An Elche goal would certainly liven this up for the neutral, but it is Barcelona that threaten a third when Bartra drives into the box, but Tyton just manages to clear at the vital moment.
Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Barcelona continue to threaten a third. In truth, how Elche fare this season is not going to depend on their results at places such as the Camp Nou. Few visiting teams - if any - will win in this stadium this season. Barcelona have possession with 30 to play.
Messi looks extremely hungry at the moment as the Argentine continues to close down the full-backs. He looks a much happier man this season. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, however, with Elche leaving a number of players behind the ball. They have showed little invention.
Rodrigues continues to look the most likely for Elche as the forward embarks on another run in the final third, but he cannot move past the challenge of Bartra, who ushers the ball out of play. It would not be a surprise to see Pedro introduced for Barcelona in the next five minutes or so.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Elche (Messi)
Barcelona have their third and Messi has his second as the Argentine beats three defenders inside the Elche box before rolling his effort into the bottom corner. So easy!
SUB! Elche make their second change as Fajr replaces Coro.
I predicted 4-0 before the match and that is looking pretty good at the moment. I would not be surprised to see Barcelona add at least one more before the night is out.
SUB! Munir's debut comes to an end as Pedro enters for Barcelona.
Elche have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to locate that elusive pass in the final third. Barcelona are just so comfortable despite being down to 10 men. They are without a number of first-team regulars, but have still been very impressive tonight.
Alves and Alba are playing like wingers for Barcelona at the moment as the latter finds the former with a beautiful pass, but the first-time cross is cleared by Suarez. Little under 20 minutes remaining and Barcelona look intent on adding to the score. Goal difference could play a part this season.
Both managers have one change remaining and it would not be a surprise to see two occur in the final stages of this match. Next up for Barcelona is Villarreal next weekend, which will be a much tougher test.
Alves attempts to force the issue for the home side after driving past two defenders before threading a pass into Pedro, but the Spaniard cannot collect at the vital moment. No real chances for either side in the last few minutes, but you suspect that opportunities will arrive in the latter stages.
Pedro threatens for the home side after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is straight at Tyton. Suddenly the tempo has risen and Barcelona have five and six players in each attack.
SUB! Third and final change for Barcelona as Roberto replaces Iniesta.
It is almost like a training match at the moment as Barcelona continue to keep the ball in the middle of the park. In truth, Elche will not have expected to take something from this match and would have wanted to avoid a hiding. A 3-0 defeat is not ideal, but as it stands, they have not been hit for six or seven.
SUB! Elche make their third change as Adrian replaces Pasalic.
Possession football from Barcelona as they continue to keep the ball in the final third, with Elche wanting the final whistle. Alba races down the left to collect a pass from Roberto, but Pedro's eventual cross is cleared. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining at the Camp Nou.
Jonathas continues to work extremely hard for the away side, but he has had little joy in the final third. Elche can take some positives from this performance, but their challenge ended when Barcelona scored their second. Next up for them is a clash against Granada next weekend.
"Luis Enrique" rings around the stadium in the latter stages of this match. In truth, little has happened in the last 15 minutes or so, with Barcelona so comfortable. Is there to be one more goal tonight?
Elche have the ball in the Barcelona half as they force a corner, but the delivery from Alvaro is poor and Bravo takes the ball for a goal kick. There will be three minutes added here.
Possession football from Barcelona as they continue to pass Elche off the pitch. Overall, it has been a very accomplished performance from the 10 men. Little over 60 seconds to play here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to make it 4-0 in the final minute as Messi feeds Pedro, but the Spaniard is denied by the Elche stopper.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Elche
So there we have it. The referee brings the 90 minutes to an end with Barcelona running out 3-0 winners against Elche in their first La Liga match of the season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
