Anthony Gordon scored his first competitive goal for Barcelona as the Catalan club defeated Getafe 3-0 on Saturday to extend their winning run in La Liga to eight matches.
The 25-year-old England international, who joined Barcelona from Newcastle United in May, opened the scoring just 78 seconds into the match at Camp Nou with a deflected effort from 18 yards.
Gordon continued to influence the game and played a key role in Barcelona’s second goal after his pressing forced Getafe defender Zaid Romero into a mistake. Gabriel Jesus capitalised on the error, won possession, cut inside and fired a low shot into the corner of the net.
Barcelona sealed the victory after the break when Lamine Yamal delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area, allowing Jules Kounde to stab the ball home for the third goal.
The result saw Hansi Flick’s side equal their best start to a La Liga season, matching the record set under Gerardo Martino in the 2013-14 campaign.
Barcelona moved to 24 points, opening a five-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who had played the same number of matches. Real Madrid were fourth on 15 points ahead of their fixture against Villarreal.
For Gordon, the goal marked a significant milestone in his Barcelona career, coming on his seventh appearance for the club.
The former Everton and Newcastle winger had already impressed with his performances for England in the Nations League, and his latest display further underlined his growing influence in Barcelona’s attack.
His opening goal followed an extended passing move in which he exchanged an inadvertent one-two with Getafe captain Djene Dakonam before driving towards the edge of the box.
Although his low shot took a deflection off Mario Martin before beating goalkeeper David Soria, Gordon celebrated passionately, thumping the Barcelona badge on his chest before performing his trademark archer celebration.
Gordon’s goal, alongside his four assists, highlighted his contribution to Barcelona’s attacking play as the club continued its impressive start to the season.
The England international has now joined a select group of British players to score for Barcelona, following in the footsteps of Gary Lineker and Mark Hughes, who both found the net for the Catalan club in 1986.
Marcus Rashford also scored his first goal for Barcelona in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Newcastle United last season.
Barcelona will now look to maintain their winning momentum as they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title.
