A sudden summer downpour couldn’t halt Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, who launched their Champions League run with a dominant win over Feyenoord.
The deluge may have even aided them, as Raphinha’s slick turn in the box sent two Dutch defenders sprawling on the slick turf for the opener.
That strike marked the Brazilian’s seventh of the season in just five games since Flick repositioned him as a No 9, after the club missed out on Julian Alvarez. He added another early in the second half to push the lead to 3‑0, just as Feyenoord saw a goal chalked off for an ultra‑tight off‑side after a VAR review.
Karim Adeyemi, the July €22 million signing from Borussia Dortmund, curled in Barcelona’s second with a beautiful strike from outside the box, his second of the campaign.
Lamine Yamal, whose free‑kick came as Ballon d’Or nominations were announced, netted the fourth, before Sem Steijn grabbed a consolation amid lax marking by Jules Koundé. Gabriel Jesus capped the night with a flicked header from Yamal’s second assist.
Raphinha earned player‑of‑the‑match honors, prompting the question: Is he the standout omitted from this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist?
Anantaajith Raghuraman and Laia Cervelló Herrero break down the key moments.
Soaking up the Raphinha show
In under three minutes Raphinha found the net, showcasing the attributes he’s added to Barcelona’s contested centre‑forward role.
The 29‑year‑old began the move by dropping deep to thread a pass to Pau Cubarsi, then drifted across the left half‑space.
When Pedri switched to Yamal on the right, Raphinha slipped to the defense’s blind side, surged ahead of a defender, and collected Yamal’s pass with a clear path to goal.
He set himself up to shoot, brushed off a defender and sent two Feyenoord backs sliding…
… before unleashing a strike that sealed the 1‑0 lead.
His second effort arrived differently: a perfectly timed run behind the line met a Pedri through‑ball, and he finished with his trademark whipped strike.
The poise and intelligence he displays differ from what Lewandowski or Torres offered, and perhaps that’s exactly the edge Barcelona needs.
For my money, Raphinha’s resurgence could eclipse the missed 2025 Ballon d’Or nod, especially after injuries and a disappointing World Cup sidelined him.
He hopes to replicate his 2024‑25 form, when he tallied 34 goals and 22 assists as Barça secured a domestic treble and reached the Champions League semi‑finals.
Yamal’s two assists and superb finish matter, too; his rivals Mbappé and Haaland also scored last night, while Kane is expected to find the net against Bodø/Glimt tomorrow.
The award, slated for October 26, technically covers the 2025‑26 season, but a strong September‑October will linger in voters’ minds.
Anantaajith Raghuraman
Why doesn’t the Camp Nou have a roof?
How bad was the rain? It was bad.
The first fifteen minutes turned chaotic in the stands. A heavy rain alert had been sent to western suburbs, yet calm reigned moments before kickoff – the calm before the storm.
As the Champions League anthem blared – booed by Barça fans as usual – a sudden downpour erupted. Seats emptied as supporters sought shelter, and Yamal wiped water from his face to see.
It’s one of those evenings you wish Camp Nou had a roof. The stadium’s third tier is still under construction; a retractable roof will only arrive after this season, likely not until 2028, meaning Barça may play elsewhere during works.
In a city unaccustomed to such weather, low turnouts are common when the stadium isn’t equipped to cope.
The last time a storm hit Camp Nou (vs Real Oviedo on Jan 25), president Joan Laporta braved the deluge, pretending not to be drenched.
This match, he carried an umbrella.
Laia Cervelló Herrero
Patient Adeyemi and Jesus show strength in depth
Anthony Gordon’s brilliant start – four assists in four La Liga games – has left Adeyemi’s debut goal against Elche under the radar.
Restored to the lineup tonight, he reminded Barça of their depth on the left flank.
The 24‑year‑old, like Gordon who replaced him after halftime, pressed energetically, even sprinting from near midfield to close down the keeper.
A few sloppy turnovers occurred, but his link‑up with João Cancelo, who stayed wide to let Adeyemi cut inside, was effective. They occasionally swapped roles, with the winger taking on his marker outside.
The highlight was his goal: after drifting inwards, Adeyemi used Andreas Christensen’s decoy run, collected the ball at the edge of the box, and curled it into the far corner.
His celebratory backflip matched the quality of his finish. Barça will hope for many more this season.
If another sign of the new attack’s health was needed, Jesus appeared in the 85th minute for his first goal since joining from Arsenal on deadline day.
Barça have already netted 22 times in their first five matches. Alvarez who?
Anantaajith Raghuraman
What did Flick say?
“We’re scoring goals and dominating play. That’s our style. I’m thrilled, yet there’s always room to improve.
We’re early in the campaign; a long road lies ahead until mid‑May when titles are decided. The intensity we’re showing is exactly what we need, and we must press together as a unit.
I think the coaching staff are doing an excellent job, and the new signings feel at home. Quality is abundant, but we must keep the focus on the team.
Raphinha delivered a stellar performance. He and Pedri deserve a Ballon d’Or spot, even if the list can’t be changed.
What next for Barcelona?
La Liga: Levante, away, Sunday 13 September, 3:15pm (UK), 10:15am (ET)