Barcelona moved four points clear at the top of La Liga with a 3-1 win at Elche, despite spurning numerous clear chances in an entertaining clash.
BARCELONA spurned several big chances but still secured a 3-1 victory at Elche to extend their lead at the La Liga summit.
Goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford sealed the three points for Hansi Flick’s side.
The win moves Barca four points clear of second-place Real Madrid, who host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Third-place Atletico Madrid dropped points after a 0-0 draw at lowly Levante.
Barca created a host of opportunities but were denied by the woodwork and poor finishing.
“In the first half you have to decide this game,” Flick told reporters.
“We created a lot of chances but we missed them in front of goal.”
Yamal opened the scoring after six minutes, rounding former Barca goalkeeper Inaki Pena to slot home.
Elche equalised through Alvaro Rodriguez before Torres atoned for an earlier miss by smashing Barca back into the lead before half-time.
Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, added a third late on for his 10th goal of the season across all competitions.
“Normally we have players who finish very well,” midfielder Frenkie de Jong told Movistar.
“The important thing is that we’re generating them.”
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid’s struggles continued with a goalless draw at 19th-placed Levante.
Diego Simeone’s side are now 10 points behind Barcelona and lost striker Alexander Sorloth and midfielder Pablo Barrios to injuries.
Villarreal were also held, drawing 2-2 at Osasuna despite a Gerard Moreno brace.
Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side remain fourth, eight points ahead of Espanyol.
