Barcelona clawed their way back into La Liga contention with a 3-1 win over Elche on Sunday, as they move just five points behind leaders Real Madrid. Dominant performances from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford helped the defending champions bounce back from last weekend's shocking defeat to arch-rivals Madrid.
The victory, marked by a spirited display, moves Barcelona into second place in the standings, while Elche remain ninth but had provided a stern test for Hansi Flick's side. The 3-1 win was the team's fifth league success of the campaign and their first since late October.
Defensively shaky, however, as they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive games, with several key players missing, including Pedri, Gavi and Joan Garcia, Barcelona were able to hold on despite being held off by Rafa Mir's first-half equaliser.
Barcelona, meanwhile, started strongly, taking the lead after just nine minutes through Lamine Yamal. The winger's clinical finish, past former teammate Inaki Pena, was followed three minutes later when Ferran Torres doubled the hosts' advantage with a well-placed tap-in from Fermin Lopez.
Torres also had another chance in the first half but was thwarted by Pena's spectacular save before Rafa Mir pulled a goal back for Elche shortly before halftime. The visitors were well-deserved of their equaliser, which they could have taken further given their chances on the counter-attack in the second half.
In the end it was Marcus Rashford who sealed Barcelona's victory with a stunning finish from a cross by Lopez, before veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved a late Mir effort to ensure Barca maintained their advantage.
The victory, marked by a spirited display, moves Barcelona into second place in the standings, while Elche remain ninth but had provided a stern test for Hansi Flick's side. The 3-1 win was the team's fifth league success of the campaign and their first since late October.
Defensively shaky, however, as they have now failed to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive games, with several key players missing, including Pedri, Gavi and Joan Garcia, Barcelona were able to hold on despite being held off by Rafa Mir's first-half equaliser.
Barcelona, meanwhile, started strongly, taking the lead after just nine minutes through Lamine Yamal. The winger's clinical finish, past former teammate Inaki Pena, was followed three minutes later when Ferran Torres doubled the hosts' advantage with a well-placed tap-in from Fermin Lopez.
Torres also had another chance in the first half but was thwarted by Pena's spectacular save before Rafa Mir pulled a goal back for Elche shortly before halftime. The visitors were well-deserved of their equaliser, which they could have taken further given their chances on the counter-attack in the second half.
In the end it was Marcus Rashford who sealed Barcelona's victory with a stunning finish from a cross by Lopez, before veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved a late Mir effort to ensure Barca maintained their advantage.
! They've definitely shown they're not out of the running for that La Liga title just yet 
. I mean, 3-1 against Elche? That's some serious business 
. And let's be real, Dominant performances from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford are pretty much a recipe for success 
.
. I mean, six straight games without a clean sheet? That's not exactly something to brag about 
. And with some of their key players missing, like Pedri and Gavi... it's like they're just trying to paper over the cracks with some talented individuals 
.
. They've got this! Well, maybe not exactly "this" 
but you get what I mean. It's a win-win situation all around: they get to stay in contention and we get to watch some amazing football 
️. Bring it on! 
. I mean, they've been struggling defensively lately, but when it matters most, they step up and show everyone what they're made of 
. And I'm loving how the team is finally finding its groove again 
. We all knew Barca had potential, now we just need to see it through until the end of the season 
. Elche put up a good fight, but at the end of the day they came up short 
. Can't wait to see what's next for these guys! 
. Don't get me wrong, it's great to see them getting back on track after that shocking loss to Madrid last weekend, but they've still got some serious defensive issues to iron out 
, Marcus Rashford's goal was more of a lucky tap-in than anything else 
! Meanwhile, Rafa Mir's first-half equaliser was like a wake-up call for Elche 
And can we talk about Marcus Rashford's strike from distance though? That lad's got some serious leg 
. Honestly, I'm not surprised Barcelona are just five points behind Real Madrid, those guys are on another level 
. Still, a win is a win and Barca's back in the hunt 
I mean, have u been to Park Güell or Casa Batlló? they're like, totally breathtaking! anywayz back 2 football... i think its cool how Barcelona came back from being down after that bad loss last week 
. Marcus Rashford, I love how he stepped up when it mattered most, his finish was insane 
anyway its not all good news for them cuz pedri gavi joan garcia are all injured rn that sucks 
hope they get back soon tho bc they need those guys to win more games lol
. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres were absolutely electric 
and it totally made me think of how much I love a good comeback story in sports, like Barcelona's win over Elche yesterday! It's like, you know when things seem hopeless, but then you get that spark and you're back on track? 
Barcelona are making a comeback! They've got some strong players like Yamal and Torres who are on fire 
. But hey, a 3-1 win over Elche is definitely something to be proud of! 