Barcelona Dominates Elche in LaLiga with Two Goals from Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona claimed a 4-0 victory over Elche in LaLiga on Saturday, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice to increase their lead atop the league table. The Catalan side is 15 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid who will play against Valladolid on Sunday to remain in the race for the title.

The win also marked an important milestone for Barcelona’s 27th LaLiga title run. Barcelona coach Xaxi Hernandez praised his team’s performance, saying, “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.”

Lewandowski Back On Goal Trail

LaLiga top scorer Robert Lewandowski broke his three goalless league games streak by scoring the opener in the 20th minute after Ronald Araujo headed the ball down to him in front of goal. Ansu Fati doubled the lead in the 55th minute, while Ferran Torres’ assist in his own half paved the way for Fati’s first league goal since October. Gavi stole the ball from Elche’s defense to set-up Lewandowski again who fired home effortlessly for his 17th league goal of the season. Torres got on the scoresheet in the 70th minute with his third league goal of the campaign.

The victory came without key players such as Ousmane Dembele, Pedri, Raphinha, and Frenkie de Jong, who were absent from the game.

Barcelona Prepared for Copa del Rey Semifinals

Xavi took the opportunity late in the game to give 19-year-old midfielder Aleix Garrido his debut. Barcelona will face Real Madrid on Wednesday for their fourth Copa del Rey semifinal encounter, where they hold a 1-0 lead.

On the other hand, Elche is precariously placed with 13 points from 27 games, far from the 27-point safety margin.

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Information from ESPN’s Sam Marsden was used in this report.