Affengruber's Elche crushed 5-0 by Barcelona in La Liga opener
Austrian defender David Affengruber suffered a heavy defeat with Elche against FC Barcelona in their league opener on Sunday, losing 5-0 at the Costa Blanca. Affengruber played through the match on the right side of Elche's five-man defense. Barcelona's new captain Raphinha scored twice (14th, 67th), with the first goal coming from a penalty after a foul on himself. Fermin Lopez also netted a brace (71st, 79th), while Karim Adeyemi added another goal in first-half stoppage time. New signing Anthony Gordon provided two assists on his debut. Elche, who started their season with a 1-1 draw at Deportivo A Coruna a week ago, held their own with much possession until the match broke open midway through the second half. Barcelona were not at full strength, resting several Spanish world champions, while new signing Rodri was absent after a minor back procedure.