Lewandowski at the double as Barcelona batter rock-bottom Elche and title dream grows
Having recorded a 2-1 victory over El Clasico rivals Real Madrid in their final match before the international break, Barcelona knew another three points against rock-bottom Elche would mark a significant step towards a first La Liga title since 2019.
However, the hosts - led by new boss Sebastian Beccacece - showed plenty of endeavour during a closely-fought opening 15 minutes, with little to separate the two sides.
Despite the hosts’ encouraging start, Barca soon demonstrated their title credentials, as Robert Lewandowski capitalised on a loose ball inside the box and fired a clinical finish beyond Edgar Badia to end a five-match goalless run for the talismanic Pole.
This settled any lingering nerves for the visitors, who took control of the match before the break, although an uncharacteristic close-range miss from Lewandowski kept the deficit to just a single goal going into the interval.
Barca emerged after the restart eager to stamp their authority on proceedings and came close to doubling their advantage, as Marcos Alonso saw a low strike thwarted by Badia.
Armed with the momentum, the visitors continued to pursue a second goal, and their persistence was duly rewarded in spectacular fashion before the hour mark when Ansu Fati carried the ball from his own half and powered a brilliant strike into the bottom corner.
Having failed to record a top-flight victory over Barca since 1974, a comeback always seemed unlikely for the hosts, and the league leaders flexed their muscles with two further goals in the space of four minutes to take the game firmly away from Elche.
First, Lewandowski notched his second of the evening with a trademark finish inside the box, before Ferran Torres struck his first goal in 19 matches with a curled effort into the far corner.
Despite the four-goal deficit, the hosts refused to lose heart during the closing stages, and came within inches of finding a late consolation, as Fidel directed a close-range header agonisingly against the post.
The result sees Barça extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 15 points, provisionally at least, while Elche remain 14 points adrift of safety.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
