Barcelona missed several great opportunities but still secured a 3-1 victory over Elche on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to four points. Goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and
Marcus Rashford contributed to the win.
In other matches, third-place Atletico Madrid played to a 0-0 draw at Levante, while Villarreal were held to a 2-2 draw at Osasuna.
Second-place Real Madrid, managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday with a chance to close the gap to one point.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona created numerous chances in an engaging match, but the woodwork and some missed opportunities prevented a more decisive victory.
Elche, positioned 12th, have been impressive this season and generated good opportunities at the Martinez Valero stadium. However, Barcelona ultimately proved too strong.
“In the first half, we needed to finish this game off. I prefer when players convert their chances,” Flick told reporters.
“We created many chances but didn’t capitalise on them, which is disappointing. However, I’m pleased with the three points and the overall performance,” he added.
Teen sensation Yamal opened the scoring after six minutes, rounding former Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena to slot home after being set up by Dani Olmo.
Olmo hit the crossbar before Elche equalised with a well-orchestrated play that got Alvaro Rodriguez behind Barcelona’s high line.
Torres had a chance to regain the lead but, in a comical moment, hit the bar from close range and then the post with the rebound.
The Spanish international later made amends by scoring just before the break, following excellent work by Frenkie de Jong.
Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Torres all missed good chances to extend the lead as Barcelona created numerous dangerous moments, with Elche’s coach Eder Sarabia, a former Barcelona assistant, sticking to his open style.
Rashford missed a good opportunity after coming on for Raphinha at half-time, shooting past the post. However, the English winger, on loan from Manchester United, eventually scored Barcelona’s third goal, his 10th of the season, after Yamal’s cross was blocked and fell to him.
“Usually, we have players who finish well. It’s important that we’re creating chances, even if we miss them occasionally,” De Jong told Movistar.
Other results
Atletico Madrid appeared lacklustre in their goalless draw against Levante, leaving them 10 points behind Barcelona. They have won just once in their last four matches across all competitions and were recently defeated by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, relegating them to the Champions League play-offs.
“It hurts not to get the three points today,” admitted Atletico defender Robin Le Normand.
Adding to their woes, striker Alexander Sorloth and midfielder Pablo Barrios both left the match injured. Sorloth was taken to the hospital after a head clash with Matias Moreno, and Barrios limped off early in the second half. Atletico struggled to create chances without the energetic midfielder.
Simeone, who has advocated for new signings, acknowledged that potential injuries would force him to adapt.
“It enhances creativity and challenges me to improve as a coach,” he said.
Gerard Moreno scored twice for Villarreal, but they could only draw with Osasuna and failed to capitalise on Espanyol’s loss to strengthen their fourth-place position. Villarreal are eight points ahead of fifth-place Espanyol, who were defeated 2-1 by Alaves on Friday.
Villarreal had been considered title contenders earlier in the season, but two defeats and a draw in their last three La Liga matches have reduced those hopes.
“We wanted to win but must be satisfied with the point after two games without any,” Moreno told Movistar.
(With AFP Inputs)
