Marcus Rashford inspired Barcelona’s response to their El Clasico setback with a 3–1 victory over Elche on Sunday, netting the third goal to seal a much-needed win for Hansi Flick’s men.
The England forward, on loan from Manchester United, continued his fine form in Spain, notching his fifth goal in Blaugrana colours to restore the club’s chase of leaders Real Madrid, now just five points ahead after 11 matches.
Barcelona raced into an early lead at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, striking twice in quick succession.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the ninth minute, his first LaLiga goal since August, after Alejandro Balde surged down the left and teed him up to finish neatly into the corner.
Three minutes later, Ferran Torres doubled the advantage, capitalising on Adrià Pedrosa’s costly slip. Fermín López pounced on the loose ball and squared for Ferran, who slotted home from close range.
Elche, however, clawed their way back into the contest before halftime. Álvaro Núñez’s through pass found Rafa Mir, who showed composure to place a low finish beyond Wojciech Szczęsny in the 41st minute.
The second half began with intensity. Rashford thought he had extended Barcelona’s lead early on, but his effort was ruled offside.
Moments later, Mir almost levelled the game, curling a shot onto the crossbar.
Rashford finally got his reward on the hour mark, collecting Fermín’s pass at the edge of the area, breezing past his marker, and rifling a stunning strike in off the underside of the bar to make it 3–1.
Mir continued to threaten, striking the woodwork again after Szczęsny managed a crucial fingertip save, but Elche’s spirited fight fizzled out.
Barcelona comfortably managed the closing stages, ensuring Flick’s side stayed within striking distance of Real Madrid as they look to rebuild momentum after their El Clasico disappointment.
