Barça Bounce Back with Dominant Win
Camp Nou, Barcelona – Shaking off their midweek European disappointment, Barcelona delivered a commanding performance to beat a 10-man Elche 3-1 and stay firmly in touch with La Liga leaders Real Madrid. The comfortable victory at the Spotify Camp Nou, powered by another Robert Lewandowski masterclass, temporarily sends Xavi Hernández’s side to the top of the table and applies maximum pressure on their rivals ahead of Sunday’s Madrid derby.
After the loss in Munich, this was a vital statement of domestic intent. The result demonstrates Barça’s resilience and their focus on reclaiming the Spanish league title.
Lewandowski Continues Incredible Scoring Streak
The star of the show was, unsurprisingly, Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker bagged a brace, taking his incredible tally to 11 goals in just eight appearances for the club. He has become the unstoppable focal point of Barcelona‘s attack.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. A superb, fizzing low cross from the impressive Alejandro Balde was met by Lewandowski, who made a classic poacher’s run to tap home from close range and settle the home crowd.
Red Card and Depay Magic Put Hosts in Control
Elche’s difficult task became nearly impossible just 14 minutes into the match when captain Gonzalo Verdu was shown a straight red card for cynically hauling down a goal-bound Lewandowski.
With a man advantage, Barcelona turned the screw. Just before halftime, Memphis Depay, handed a rare start, produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 41st minute. Receiving the ball with his back to goal, the Dutchman executed a sublime turn to leave his defender behind before firing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
The second half began with the same intensity, and Barcelona sealed the three points just three minutes after the restart. Following a scramble in the box, the ball fell kindly to Lewandowski in the 48th minute, and the prolific striker made no mistake, calmly slotting home his second of the afternoon.
While Barça dominated the match, they were denied a clean sheet in the final moments when Pere Milla headed in a consolation goal for the visitors.
Title Race Heats Up Ahead of International Break
This win was more than just three points; it was a crucial psychological boost that underscores Barcelona’s ability to ruthlessly dispatch weaker teams—a quality they lacked last season. With Real Madrid holding a perfect record, every point is precious. Barcelona have done their job, and now all eyes turn to the Cívitas Metropolitano, where they will hope Atlético Madrid can take points off the league leaders.
