Raphinha and Fermín López lead Barcelona's attack up front

Barcelona kicked off their LaLiga campaign with a resounding win over Elche, a result that also helped settle a question that had lingered around the squad for weeks: who would lead the line up front. Hansi Flick chose not to bring in a traditional number nine before the opener, instead trusting Raphinha with that responsibility, while Fermín López also chipped in from a more advanced role than usual. Both delivered braces, suggesting that the absence of a out-and-out striker may not be as pressing an issue as many feared.

• Raphinha operated as the focal point of Barcelona's attack and scored twice plus an assist.
• Fermín López, starting as an attacking midfielder, also finished with a brace, including a finish worthy of a natural striker.
• Flick praised Raphinha's mentality and intensity in training sessions.
• The club has not closed the door on signing a центр forward before the transfer window shuts.
• Both players leave the final call on incoming signings to the sporting department.

Raphinha cements his role as Flick's false nine

This isn't the first time the German coach has turned to the Brazilian to spearhead the attack, but his performance on opening day strengthens the idea that Raphinha has earned the right to keep that role on a more permanent basis. Now the team's first captain, the winger drifted between the lines, showed up inside the box, and was heavily involved in build-up play, blending his dribbling ability with a sharp eye for goal.

"He has a great mentality. When you see him give one hundred percent in training it's fantastic. He's a great example, he has great intensity," Flick said after the match.

Raphinha himself admitted feeling at ease in that position, pointing to the squad's versatility and its ability to adapt to different systems depending on the opponent or the demands of the match.

Fermín López shows off his goalscoring instinct

The homegrown midfielder started the match as an attacking midfielder but ended up proving he can operate effectively higher up the pitch. His second goal, finished with a turn and a curling shot after a pass from the inside channel, carried the hallmark of a seasoned striker rather than a midfielder occasionally popping up in the box.

Fermín had already hinted days earlier that he feels comfortable playing as a false nine, a role he previously filled in Barcelona's youth academy and one he considers close to his favourite position on the pitch. His blend of pace, technique, and hunger for goals make him a genuine option for rotation in that spot.

What's at stake for Barcelona in the transfer market

Despite the dominant opening result, the club is well aware that a long season, including Champions League commitments, demands more than a tactical workaround. European fixtures often bring tighter, more physical opponents, where having a recognised centre forward could prove decisive in key moments.

"We'll talk about the nine after this match. I speak with Deco, we're very happy about the win, but we'll see during the week," Flick explained, leaving the door open to a possible signing.

A dressing room united behind the sporting department's call

Both Raphinha and Fermín López echoed the same message after the match: the decision on whether to bring in a striker rests with the club's sporting leadership, headed by Deco, while they simply focus on performing on the pitch regardless of what happens in the market.

"We trust Deco, and whatever they decide will be for the best," said Fermín, echoing Raphinha's own words: "We leave that to the president, Deco, and the coach."

That shared message reflects a calm dressing room, focused on collective performance and confident that, whether or not a new striker arrives, goals will keep flowing as long as players with the ambition shown by both brace-scorers remain on the field.