Elche 0-4 Barcelona: Fati, Torres, Lewandowski strike to send Barca 15 points clear on top of La Liga table

FC Barcelona, who are on the brink of winning this year’s La Liga, took a step further in getting a hold on the trophy after they ousted Elche, increasing the gap between second placed Real Madrid, by fifteen points. Polish striker Lewandowski was back on the scoresheet as he netted twice along with young guns Ansu Fati, who scored a goal after a long hiatus and Ferran Torres, who scored a beauty with a lovely shot.

Back after International Break, same old Barca

Barcelona is having a dream run this season. With the likes of Lewandowski, Raphinha, Dembele, Araujo combined with the tactical prowess of Xavi, they are sitting on top of the La Liga standings, enjoying a 15 point cushion from second placed defending champions Real Madrid, and cruising to grab the La Liga trophy. Before the International break, they had defeated their arch rivals 2-1. with last minute winner from Franck Kessie.

Xavi had started with a different eleven, owing to some of the forced injuries suffered during the break. Maybe Xavi has rested some of his important players for the midweek fixture against Real Madrid, a home game against them in the Copa del Rey, although the Catalan Club is 1-0 up in the reverse fixture, they would like to seal the deal in Camp Nou.

So, the back four comprised Alba, Araujo, Kounde and Alonso. There was a slight twist in the midfield line-up, with Eric Garcia teaming up with Gavi and Sergi Roberto. The front three comprised Lewa, flanked by Ansu and Ferran Torres.

Ansu Fati Back on scoresheet after a long time

Ansu Fati, the number 10 of Barca was having a tough time with the Blaugranes, as he was not getting enough time to prove his mettle. His father even blasted the Barcelona board in the middle of the week, for not giving his son the appropriate game time.

But, Ansu got back on the scoresheet again, scoring his first goal for the “Culers”, since October. He had always been praised with link-up play and his ability to outsmart his opponents. It was not an exception either last night as he foxed Elche stoppers and barged into the defense, scoring a banger.

Not only Ansu, another winger also grabbed the headlines as he scored his share after many days. Ferran was also on the edge after wasting his opportunities in all the games he has started this season, faltering in front of the goal and blasting shots into the open. Well, he got justice last day after scoring a goal with some impeccable assist from Lewandowski, thus etching his name on the scoresheet.

Pichichi incoming….

Robert Lewandowski, the Polish international has been in a red hot form this season. Due to his immaculate skills and finishing abilities Barcelona are enjoying this comfortable position on the top. He netted twice last night, becoming the highest scorer for Barcelona in this season, scoring his 17th of the season.

His first of the night came off a free-kick taken by Jordi Alba, which was headed by dependable Araujo, thus falling into the feet of Lewa, who outscored the defenders to score with a beautiful strike which Elche keeper Edgar Badia could not even get hold of it.

His second of the night came on 65th minute when Gavi, the prodigal midfielder, who is back on his youth contract and wearing jersey number 30, pressed the defenders and snatched the ball away from them, perfectly setting up for the Polish, who scored a sitter, bringing him well on course to win the Pichichi trophy this season.

“It has been perfect”, says the boss

Xavi was very happy with his teams’ performance, as he was heard saying, “It has been perfect: two from Robert, one from Ferran and one from Ansu. A great night for the forwards and players who needed and gained a lot of confidence,”. He added further, “Really happy. Players that have not participated a lot came in to the side and played at a really good level. That is what being a team is. It’s an important step for us. A really good win and I am happy for the players.”

The game was dominated by the Catalans from the beginning as they have had blasted 12 shots on target, and getting hold of the ball every time their opponents were in a dilemma. They will face bitter rivals Real Madrid next, waiting for an opportunity to go into the finals of Copa del Rey.