Barcelona defeated Elche with ease to win the game and the three points on Saturday. The chances were plenty for the hosts, especially after Gonzalo Verdu was sent off early.
For the Catalans, Robert Lewandowski scored twice in the match, getting back on target. After his lackluster performance in the middle of the week, his performance was a welcome sight for the Barcelona supporters. Memphis Depay also scored and made a compelling argument for increasing playing time.
There is a strong impression that this Barcelona team is only getting warmed up. When Xavi's men finally show up, everything will be in perfect order, but the world might not be prepared for their full force. Three key lessons from the Catalans' fifth league victory of the year are presented by Barça Sphere.
1. RUTHLESS AND PERFECT FOOTBALL.
After the devastating defeat in Germany, there were concerns about Barcelona's ability to rebound. On Saturday, Xavi's men responded clearly and forcefully.
Barcelona appeared to be the only team on the field at Spotify Camp Nou as they trampled a defenseless Elche team with ten players. Only one shot was on target for the visitors, and it came in the final minute.
The Catalans, in comparison, had a massive 25 shots, nine of which were on goal. They had six shots blocked, 18 shots from inside the box, and eight massive scoring opportunities.
The 3-0 result is nice to Francisco Rodriguez's team because they never really had a chance to compete. In Catalonia, they were not only outplayed but also outclassed and outperformed.
2. ALEJANDRO BALDE IS JORDI ALBA’S TRUE HEIR
Every game, Barcelona's strikers steal the show by scoring goal after goal. However, many players put in just as much, if not more, effort and go unnoticed than the goal scorers.
One such name is Alejandro Balde. The La Masia product has been a part of the first team dynamics for some time, but this season, he has made an absolutely stunning entrance.
Jordi Alba and Marcos Alonso, two of the top players in the world of football, are the 18-years-old rivals for a starting position. But he is steadily and rightfully moving ahead of both UCL-winning defenders into Xavi's starting lineup.
When Barcelona played Elche, Xavi gave the young player another chance to start, and he did not disappoint. In ninety minutes, he completed all of his crosses and long balls, notched two assists, and had a remarkable pass completion rate of 98.3%. He won seven duels and one clearance on defense.
On the field, Balde was among the best on the team and displayed outstanding maturity both defensively and in the final third. If he is raised in the best conditions, Barcelona could have a monster of a player on their hands.
3. PRESSURE ON REAL MADRID
Barcelona temporarily climbed to the top of the La Liga ranking ahead of the Madrid derby with the three points on Saturday after accruing sixteen points through six games. Five of the Blaugrana's six games have ended in victories, with their lone tie being in Matchday 1 against Rayo Vallecano.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, after their victory on Sunday, restored their lead on the La Liga table. This means that Xavi's team are ready to take advantage of any slip in points by Real Madrid to return to the top of the table.
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