Gordon scores first Barcelona goal

BARCELONA, Spain (AP):

England forward Anthony Gordon scored his first goal for Barcelona as the Spanish league leaders cruised to a 3-0 win over Getafe and equalled their best-ever start to a La Liga season yesterday.

Gordon had impressed and provided a handful of assists since joining from Newcastle this summer, but had yet to find the net. He put that right just two minutes into the match at Camp Nou, dribbling past two defenders before rifling a deflected shot beyond goalkeeper David Soria.

Gabriel Jesús made the most of his first start since joining Barcelona this summer by scoring in the 29th minute. Taking the place of injured top scorer Raphinha, the former Arsenal striker intercepted a loose pass from Zaid Romero inside the area and fired home. Gabriel Jesús had already scored twice as a substitute.

Lamine Yamal helped put the result beyond doubt in the 73rd minute when he curled a cross into the box for right-back Jules Koundé to tap in.

Barcelona’s eighth consecutive victory matched the club’s best-ever start to a La Liga campaign, first achieved in the 2013-14 season with Lionel Messi in his prime.

Barcelona are seeking a third straight domestic title.

Coach Hansi Flick said before the match that Raphinha, who leads La Liga with 12 goals, would miss both the Getafe encounter and next week’s Champions League trip to Galatasaray.

Raphinha is recovering from a muscle injury in his right leg sustained while on international duty with Brazil during the break.

Barcelona are also preparing for key fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga later this month.