La Liga: Rashford scores as Barcelona beat Elche

Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga with a controlled 3-1 victory away to Elche, with Marcus Rashford again finding the net after coming off the bench.

The reigning champions moved four points clear at the summit following another assured display, maintaining their strong domestic form and piling pressure on closest challengers Real Madrid.

Elche, who had not beaten Barcelona since 1974, showed resistance at stages but were ultimately outclassed by a side that dominated possession, territory, and chances throughout the contest.

Early breakthrough and Elche response

Barcelona made an immediate impact, taking the lead in the sixth minute through teenage winger Lamine Yamal.

Dani Olmo’s incisive through ball split the Elche defence, allowing Yamal to round goalkeeper Inaki Pena before calmly rolling the ball into an empty net.

Despite Barcelona’s early control, Elche found a route back into the game midway through the first half.

Alvaro Rodriguez exploited the visitors’ high defensive line after 29 minutes and finished confidently into the far corner to level the score.

Torres restores control

Hansi Flick’s side regained the lead 11 minutes later when Ferran Torres reacted sharply to convert Frenkie De Jong’s low cut-back, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to restore Barcelona’s advantage before half-time.

Barcelona had further chances to extend their lead in the first half, with Torres striking the crossbar twice in quick succession and later seeing a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Victor Chust.

Rashford impact off the bench

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford was introduced at the interval and made an immediate impact.

The forward added Barcelona’s third goal with a simple tap-in after another dangerous low cross from Yamal, marking his 10th goal of the season and his second in consecutive matches.

Barcelona continued to dictate play after going 3-1 ahead, with Dani Olmo earlier hitting the woodwork and the visitors creating multiple openings as the match wore on.

The win marked Barcelona’s 15th victory in their last 16 matches across all competitions and strengthens their grip on the title race.

Attention now shifts to Real Madrid, who have a game in hand and host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with an opportunity to reduce the gap at the top.