A much-changed Barcelona maintained their impressive run in La Liga, thrashing Elche 4-0 to distance themselves even further from second-placed Real Madrid.
The level of the opposition, who are currently sitting at the bottom of the league table and headed into the game winless in the last 20 league meetings against Barca, combined with a number of injury concerns at hand led to Xavi naming some of his second-choice options in the starting XI. Much to his delight, they delivered in fine fashion.
Robert Lewandowski gave the visitors the lead in the 20th minute after finishing Ronald Araújo’s headed assist from close range. In the second half, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres joined the Poland international in adding to Elche’s misery by scoring three more unanswered goals.
Here are our player ratings for the Barcelona players from their 4-0 win against Elche.
Marc-André ter Stegen (6/10)
Another day, another clean sheet for the German goalkeeper. However, in this match he didn’t have to work too hard to keep his net unrattled, with Elche only managing two shots on target. Huge credit to the Blaugrana’s intense pressing that not only led to Lewandowski’s second but also prevented Sebastián Beccacece’s men from enjoying significant time on the ball at the opposite end.
Jules Koundé (7/10)
Enjoyed a lot of time in the final third and even came close to doubling Barcelona’s lead just before the break. But his effort was brilliantly blocked by Omar Mascarell. Following Pablo Torre’s introduction, the right-back shifted to the centre of the defence.
Ronald Araújo (8/10)
Usually, in the headlines for his resilient defending, the Uruguayan produced an impressive performance going forward. Apart from a well-measured assist for the opener, Araújo helped the visitors progress the play from deep. Even his uncharacteristic dribbling caught a few eyeballs.
Marcos Alonso (7/10)
In the absence of Andreas Christensen, who suffered an injury during the international break with Denmark, the former Chelsea left-back was once again called by Xavi to guard his goal from the middle. Like a seasoned centre-back, Alonso made six clearances and didn’t lose his usual touch in possession either, playing several long balls to find his teammates up front.
Jordi Alba (6/10)
It was his quality free-kick that was met by Araujo before Lewandowski’s go-ahead goal. Minutes later, the veteran came close to creating another goal with a brilliant cross into the former Bayern Munich man’s path. But Elche somehow managed to block the striker’s right-footed shot.
Eric Garcia (8/10)
Garcia, who has struggled to get ahead of the likes of Christensen and Alonso to start in the defence all season, may have found a new lifeline through his encouraging performance in the middle of the park. The Spaniard looked relaxed as a pivot. It’s too early to talk about him replacing Sergio Busquets, but the fact Xavi praised him in the post-match conference following his very first outing in the position will give the Barcelona academy talent a lot of confidence.
Gavi (8/10)
Apart from the number on his shirt (from 6 to 30), nothing was different for Gavi in Barcelona colours following the controversial and underwhelming international break. Kounde failed to convert his cut-back, but Lewandowski’s finish for the third goal made sure the Golden Boy returned home him with an assist. However, on his way out, the Spain international was booed by the home crowd.
Sergi Roberto (7/10)
He often doesn’t get enough credit from Barca fans for his role in the squad, but Roberto has made Xavi’s job easier in recent months by filling in at different positions. The 31-year-old’s versatility was on show yet again, as he started the game in the middle of the park and then later in the game slotted in at right-back. His pass to Fati in the 14th minute, in particular, was beautiful.
Ferran Torres (7/10)
Despite his versatility, it’s no secret that Torres plays his best football on the right wing, and with Raphinha suspended and Ousmane Dembélé injured, the ex-Valencia star got his chance at his preferred position. He made the most of the occasion and got on the score sheet with a fine left-footed strike from the centre of the penalty area. He also assisted Fati’s goal.
Robert Lewandowski (9/10)
Two goals and an assist. The 34-year-old was simply sensational and comfortably the Man of the Match. But considering Barcelona’s dominance on the night and his hunger for goals, he’d be disappointed with not walking away with the match ball in his hands after the full-time whistle.
Ansu Fati (7/10)
No Barcelona player needed to put the ball into the back of the net more than Fati, who doubled the La Liga leader’s lead with an excellent finish. The first league goal since October for the talented forward. His celebration showed just how much that meant to him.