The Albany Gazette - Barca extend perfect streak, Atletico scrape late win

England winger Gordon opened the scoring in the second minute and Gabriel Jesus added another after half an hour for the league leaders, who have won every match they have played this season.

France defender Jules Kounde tucked home the third from Lamine Yamal's cross to cap Barca's solid win against Jose Bordalas's side at Camp Nou.

Barca moved five points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who won 2-1 at Alaves earlier, and lead Real Madrid, fourth, by nine points before Los Blancos host Villarreal later on.

Barca were without their top scorer Raphinha, who sustained a hamstring problem during the international break with Brazil.

Flick replaced him with former Arsenal striker and Selecao compatriot Jesus and his side came roaring out of the blocks.

"Being at Barca is a dream... playing with these players is very easy too, everyone plays very well, always with the ball," Jesus told DAZN after his first start and third goal for the club.

"That makes it easier for me as a striker, to have chances, and I'm ready to score the goals...

"(But) I hope Rafa can recover quickly, because of course the team misses him."

Gordon, who has impressed since joining this summer, grabbed his first Barca goal with a low deflected effort after bundling his way past three players.

He was Barca's brightest spark in the first half, continuing his fine goalscoring form for England in the recent Nations League matches.

Barca defender Eric Garcia forced a save from Getafe goalkeeper David Soria with a drive from distance as Flick's side controlled the game.

Getafe defender Zaid Romero gave the ball away in his own box for Barca's second, passing it straight to Jesus, who stroked into the bottom corner.

Soria denied Olmo before Yamal teed up Kounde for the third.

The defender, making a record 194th appearance for Barca for a French player, overtaking Eric Abidal, was on hand to turn home from close range from teenage star Yamal's cross.

Barca, who also won their Champions League opener, have nine victories from nine matches across all competitions.

- Romero winner -

Cristian Romero's header in the 87th minute earned Atletico Madrid a narrow win at 10-man Alaves.

Alejandro Grimaldo put Atletico in front before Lucas Boye equalised from the penalty spot for Alaves before the interval.

Angel Perez was sent off for the hosts in the second half and Romero's header from Alex Baena's cross late on took Atletico two points behind Barcelona before the champions face Getafe later Saturday.

Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid in a tense derby clash before the extended international break and were able to snatch a late winner to build on that momentum.

Grimaldo sent Atletico ahead in the 33rd minute with a cool finish after combining well with fellow summer arrival Jonathan David.

Alaves levelled just before the break from the penalty spot through Boye after Robin Le Normand fouled Toni Martinez.

Atletico were given a helping hand when Perez put in an ugly foul on substitute Julian Alvarez just after the hour mark and the Alaves winger was dismissed.

Alvarez, still regaining form and focus after trying to leave Atletico in the summer, hit the post from a free-kick as Diego Simeone's side sought a winner.

Eventually Alex Baena produced a fine cross for former Tottenham defender Romero to nod home at the back post.

"It's always important that the goal comes from wherever it comes, as long as it comes," said Simeone.

(M.Scott--TAG)