With a youthful line-up featuring several changes, Hansi Flick’s side displayed impressive attacking efficiency despite the absence of a recognised striker after the departure of Poland international Robert Lewandowski.

New captain Raphinha led the way with a brace, scoring from the penalty spot in the 14th minute and adding his second in the 67th.

He also created Barcelona’s third goal just before half-time, delivering a decisive pass to new German signing Karim Adeyemi, who scored in the third minute of stoppage time.

Spanish midfielder Fermín López scored two more goals in the 71st and 79th minutes.

Another summer arrival, Englishman Anthony Gordon, also made his mark after coming on in the second half for teenage star Lamine Yamal, setting up two goals within just four minutes, in the 67th and 71st minutes.

However, the impressive start was marred by the early departure of Spanish world champion Gavi, who appeared to have sustained an injury to his right knee — the same knee on which he underwent surgery twice, in 2023 and 2025.

Elsewhere, a depleted Atlético Madrid secured a late 2-2 draw at home against Villarreal.

The Rojiblancos managed to salvage a point despite finishing the match with 10 men after Robin Le Normand was sent off in the 76th minute.

Argentine Giuliano Simeone equalised for Atlético four minutes before the end of normal time, after Gerard Moreno and Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze had put Villarreal ahead with penalties in the 66th and 78th minutes, following Marc Pubill’s 59th-minute opener for the hosts.

Atlético coach Diego Simeone brought on fellow Argentine forward Julián Álvarez in the second half, to boos from the home supporters at the Metropolitano.

Simeone initially left Álvarez on the bench, and the crowd booed when the player’s name was announced over the stadium speakers. Álvarez had expressed his desire to leave the Madrid club this summer, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly interested in signing him.

The Yellow Submarine created better chances in the first half, with Pubill blocking Mikautadze’s close-range effort in the sixth minute.

The Georgian forward then created an excellent chance for Ayoze Pérez before the break, but Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved the Spanish striker’s effort.

Atlético took the lead shortly before the hour mark, when defender Pubill fired a powerful, curling long-range effort into the top corner in the 59th minute.

Their advantage did not last long, however, as Moreno equalised from the penalty spot after Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand needlessly fouled substitute Tajon Buchanan inside the penalty area in the 66th minute.

Simeone then introduced Álvarez, giving him his first appearance of the season, as Atlético supporters continued to express their displeasure with the Argentina international.

With 12 minutes remaining, Villarreal regained the lead from another penalty after Le Normand fouled Mikautadze inside the area. The defender was sent off after a VAR review of the incident. Mikautadze converted the penalty in the 78th minute.

But Alex Baena, who recently won the World Cup with Spain, played the ball to Giuliano, Simeone’s son, who scored the equaliser with four minutes remaining in normal time.

Oblak then made an excellent save to deny Buchanan, who had a golden opportunity to snatch all three points for Iñigo Pérez’s side, which had finished ahead of Atlético in last season’s battle for third place.

While Atlético’s players applauded their supporters at the final whistle, Álvarez walked alone towards the tunnel.

Getafe also beat visitors Racing Santander 1-0, with Turkish forward Enes Ünal scoring the only goal in the 81st minute.

It was Getafe’s first win in the domestic league this season, following a 3-0 defeat by Deportivo Alavés in their opening match.