Another Yamal show for Barca to Extend La Liga Lead

Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute and later set up Marcus Rashford for Barcelona’s third goal, sealing the win at Martínez Valero Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the second just before halftime after Elche had briefly equalised in the first half.

The victory allowed Barcelona to move four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Yamal, 18, has now scored in three consecutive matches, having also found the net against Real Oviedo in La Liga and Copenhagen in the Champions League earlier this week. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised the young forward, saying he still has “another level” to reach.

Elche, enjoying a solid season after returning to the top flight, showed attacking intent but struggled to contain Barcelona’s constant pressure. The hosts equalised through Álvaro Rodríguez, who finished calmly after breaking behind Barcelona’s high defensive line.

Barcelona dominated the match, finishing with 30 shots compared to Elche’s nine. The visitors hit the woodwork several times through Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo, while Elche defenders made crucial goal-line clearances to keep the scoreline respectable.

Torres restored Barcelona’s lead in the 39th minute, finishing a slick passing move involving Frenkie de Jong. Rashford, introduced after halftime, made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute after Yamal led a quick counterattack and provided the assist, reports UNB. 

Elsewhere in La Liga, Atletico Madrid were held to a goalless draw by struggling Levante, leaving them 10 points behind leaders Barcelona. Villarreal drew 2-2 with Osasuna thanks to a brace from Gerard Moreno, while Oviedo snapped a long winless run with a 1-0 victory over Girona.