Post by : Rameen Ariff

Barcelona bounced back in style on Sunday night, defeating Elche 3-1 at Montjuic Olympic Stadium to climb to second place in the LaLiga standings. Goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford sealed the win, taking the defending champions to 25 points — five behind leaders Real Madrid.

After last week’s El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid, Barcelona entered the match determined to regain momentum, and they wasted no time asserting dominance. Within the first 11 minutes, two quick goals put the home side firmly in control.

In the ninth minute, David Affengruber’s misplaced pass was intercepted by Alejandro Balde, who burst forward and delivered a sharp through ball to Yamal. The 18-year-old showcased remarkable skill and composure, cutting inside before firing a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner — his first LaLiga goal since August 31.

Just two minutes later, another defensive lapse cost Elche dearly. Adria Pedrosa slipped while trying to control the ball, allowing Fermin Lopez to pounce. Lopez drove down the flank and delivered a low cross that Ferran Torres coolly slotted home from close range to double Barcelona’s advantage.

Elche managed to pull one back through Rafa Mir just before halftime. Mir then came close to equalising in the 55th minute, hitting the crossbar with a fierce shot. However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Marcus Rashford restored Barcelona’s two-goal cushion in the 61st minute. His powerful finish ricocheted off the bar and into the net, making it 3-1.

Mir hit the woodwork again in the 67th minute, but Barcelona’s defence held firm for the remainder of the match. The hosts controlled possession and tempo, comfortably seeing out the game to secure three valuable points.

Speaking after the match, Ferran Torres highlighted the importance of their strong start: “It was very important to start strong and intense. From there, we could take the game where we wanted it to go.”

With this win, Barcelona remain in pursuit of Real Madrid in the LaLiga title race and will look to carry the same intensity into their upcoming fixtures.

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