Barcelona thrashed Rayo Vallecano 5-2 on Monday night, with a fluid front three of Raphinha (deputising as a makeshift striker), Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon inspiring the win. Despite the impressive attacking display, the result did little to distract from the club's ongoing pursuit of Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez, whom president Joan Laporta has publicly courted, while Atlético have firmly rejected any move as a matter of "dignity" rather than money.

Raphinha scored twice while playing out of position, and Lamine Yamal, whose form had been questioned after a sluggish start to the season, netted two fine goals of his own, prompting coach Hansi Flick to praise his return to "top level" form. Barcelona also welcomed new signing Gabriel Jesus, an £8.6m arrival from Arsenal, though Flick made clear the club still wants a recognised centre-forward following the summer departures of Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford. Arsenal have also been chasing Álvarez, who missed training and a match through illness after a hostile reception from Atlético fans, with Atlético insisting there is "zero consideration" of a move to Barcelona ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.