FC Barcelona Beat Elche 4-0 Away From In Matchday 27 Of La Liga
The International break is over, so it's back to business in the domestic league. FC Barcelona played away from home against Elche in match day 27 of the La Liga Santander, Barcelona missed a couple of their key players especially in the midfield area due to injury.
The starting lineup was different and had a lot of changes, like Eric Garcia whose natural position is a Central Back played last night as a defensive midfielder. There were rumors before the match that Xavi would play Garcia as a defensive midfielder as a test to see if Garcia would fit perfectly in the role as his defensive capability has not been impressive in the past weeks which has reduced his playing time on the field and to my surprise he did well in that position last night.
Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres both were on the starting lineup which has never been done before in the season as both player's form has not been top this season and also because Raphinha was on disciplinary suspension. Back to the game, FC Barcelona opened the scoreline in the 20th minute of the first half with a free kick, Jordi Alba swung the ball into the box and found Ronald Araujo who headed the ball to Lewandoski and the Polish striker fired the ball into the goalposts.
Barcelona could have gotten three goals in the first half if they finished up the chances they got but it did not stop the Catalan giant from scoring more goals in the second half. The second goal was scored in the 56th minute of the second half, Ferran Torres played a through ball to Ansu Fati, and the youngster made a run down Elche's box and fired a shot into the bottom right corner of the goalpost.
Ansu Fati was filled with joy as he celebrated his goal, he has been struggling this season since he came back from injury and seems to lack confidence in 1v1 take-on, but the goal has lifted the whole pressure from the back of the Ansu who many Barca taught would succeed Messi, I just hope Ansu doesn't stop and keeps pushing forward to be 100% and give his best for the team.
Barcelona scored their third goal in the 66th minute. Gavi made a tackle and the ball went to Lewandoski, the Polish striker made a run down Elche's box and played a shot into the goalpost. Lewandoski leads the race for the highest goalscorer in La Liga with 17 goals in his first season with Barcelona. FC Barcelona scored their fourth and last goal of the match in the 70th minute, Lewandoski led a counterattack and passed the ball to Ferran Torres, the Spanish winger took his time and placed the ball into the goalpost, it was a smooth and nice goal from Ferran Torres.
Elche tried to get a consolation goal but Barca's defense was on high alert and Ter Stegen put up a brilliant save in the last minute to keep his clean sheet and it stayed that way till the match came to an end. Barcelona is now on a temporary 15 points lead ahead of Real Madrid and if Real Madrid loses or draws today Barca will remain with a 15-point lead or 14-point lead.
It was a good game from the boys and also Xavi needs to be commended, no Pedri, Dembele, Frenkie De Jong, and Christensen but still got a massive win. Like I said in my EL Clasico post, Barcelona are already La Liga champions nothing is stopping them from winning the title. Xavi and the boy's focus will be at El Clasico this coming Wednesday in the Copa Del Rey which Barca already has a one-goal lead on aggregate, I have no doubts Barca is winning on Wednesday and will progress to the next round of the competition.
So guys that will be all for now thanks for stopping by and have a good day.