Barcelona moved 15 points clear at the top of La Liga as a brace from Robert Lewandowski helped them to a dominant 4-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Elche, extending the Catalans impressive away form to 12 wins in their last 14 matches.Having recorded a 2-1 victory over El Clásico rivals Real Madrid in their final match before the international break, Barça 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 Sebastián Beccacece – showed plenty of endeavour during a closely-fought opening 15 minutes, with little to separate the two sides.Despite the hosts’ encouraging start, Barça soon demonstrated their title credentials, as 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 halftime, although an uncharacteristic close-range miss from Lewandowski kept the deficit to just a single goal going into the interval.Barcelona’s first goal, Lewandowski#Lewandowski #Barcelona #ElcheCF #ElcheBarça #LaLigaSantander #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/3RowbA4cuI— manksa (@manksa______) April 1, 2023 Barça 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.#ELCHEBARÇABarcelona’s second goal by Ansu Fati is amazing, very amazing❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/iycJfGin1D— جولو🇸🇦 (@Juliaa668) April 1, 2023 Having failed to record a top-flight head-to-head victory since 1974, a comeback always seemed unlikely for the hosts, and Barça flexed their muscles with two further goals in the space of four minutes to take the game firmly away from Elche. First, Lewandoswki 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.LE DOUBLÉ POUR LEWANDOWSKI 🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/g6YltX1uV1— Lewandowski France 🇵🇱 (@LewyFrance_) April 1, 2023 Barca has 4 now, and Ferran Torres finally scores his goal. Elche 0-4 Barcelona (Goal by Torres)pic.twitter.com/i7kTvVNvrs— Daniel Brisevac (@BriseDB) April 1, 2023 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 after an eighth consecutive H2H defeat.LA LIGA – ROUND 27FridayMallorca – Osasuna 0-0SaturdayGirona – Espanyol 2-1 (0-0)/Martinez 53, Stuani 88 pen – Braithwaite 74/Ath.Bilbao – Getafe 0-0Cadiz – Sevilla 0-2 (0-0)/Ocampos 51, En Nesyri 74/Elche- Barcelona 0-4 (0-1)/Lewandowski 20, 66, Fati 56, Torres 70/Sunday15:00: (1.58) Celta (3.90) Almeria (6.00)17:15: (1.20) Real Madrid (6.75) Valladolid (14.0)19:30: (2.50) Villareal (3.20) Sociedad (3.20)22:00: (1.62) Atl.Madrid (3.90) Betis (6.50)Monday22:00: (2.15) Valencia (3.15) Rayo Vallecano (3.70)***odds are subject to change***
