News
SAT 24.01.2015
FC Barcelona made light work of Elche CF for the fourth time this season, hammering Fran Escriba’s side 6-0 at the Martínez Valero stadium.
The hosts struggled to break down an organised Elche defence in the first half and had to keep an eye on the lively Fayçal Fajr and Jonathas de Jesus, who both had chances to score in the first half, but were denied by Barcelona custodian Claudio Bravo.
Gerard Piqué marked his 200th Liga BBVA game in style by opening the scoring in the 36th minute and then Barcelona went on to dominate the second half, with Lionel Messi and Neymar putting on an exhibition of attacking football and goals.
The Argentinian doubled the lead from the penalty spot and then his Brazilian strike partner scored twice in three minutes to put the game out of Elche’s sight. Messi struck again to make it two goals and two assists, while Pedro completed the rout in stoppage time, converting a perfect pass from Neymar.
The result means Barcelona keep the pressure on Liga BBVA leaders Real Madrid, while Elche will be desperately hoping that Levante UD, UD Almería and Granada CF, their direct rivals to avoid relegation, fail to win their games later this weekend.
© LALIGA - 2015