Barcelona began a new Champions League journey in style thanks to a dominant 5-1 win at home to Feyenoord in their league phase opener at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening. The Catalans were in complete control for the entire 90 minutes and scored five beautiful goals, and remain perfect to start the season after another brilliant attacking display.
Barça made a perfect start to the game with a sensational opening goal by Raphinha, who received a pass
from Lamine Yamal and sat down two defenders in the box with a gorgeous body faint before passing the ball into the net just two and a half minutes into the action.
The Catalans continued to attack and put pressure on the visitors, and Karim Adeyemi doubled the lead with another golazo as his perfect curling shot from outside the box found the top corner to further establish the Blaugrana dominance.
Feyenoord had one or two good moments on the counter that required solid saves from Joan Garcia but never caused real trouble to the Barça defense, and Rodri, Pedri and Dani Olmo all played their part in dominating midfield.
Barça had more chances to double the lead as Yamal and João Cancelo each came close to scoring sensational solo goals, but the home team had to settle for a two-goal lead at the break after thoroughly dominating the opening period.
Feyenoord played higher up the pitch trying to apply more pressure early in the second half, but Barça remained in full control and added a third before the hour mark thanks to a brilliant assist from Pedri to find Raphinha for his second goal of the evening.
The Dutch giants responded right away as Ferri found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a very narrow offside. The visitors continued to attack but couldn’t produce a real chance, and Barça were very comfortable towards the end.
Barça were fully focused on keeping the ball and not allowing counter-attacks at the end, but there was still time for a fourth as captain Yamal joined the scoring party with a beautiful free-kick to open his European account for the season.
The home team were unable to keep a clean sheet as Sem Steijn headed home a goal that Feyenoord deserved given their work in the second half, but Barça restored their four-goal lead thanks to a first Barça goal for Gabriel Jesus, who headed home a cross from Yamal to make it five for the hosts.
The final whistle came to end a brilliant night for Barça in their European opener, with another brilliant attacking display and five very good goals. This might just be Barça’s best version under Hansi Flick, and they’ve announced their status as Champions League contenders in style. Well done, boys!
