Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of La Liga with a 3-1 victory over Elche on January 31, 2026, thanks in part to a goal from substitute Marcus Rashford. The win extends Barcelona’s lead to four points over second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
The match started brightly for the visitors, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Yamal, who has been in excellent form, latched onto a through ball from Dani Olmo, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted home into an empty net. This early goal set the tone for Barcelona’s dominance in possession and attacking intent.
However, Elche, playing at home, responded well and equalized in the 29th minute through Álvaro Rodríguez. Rodriguez exploited a gap in Barcelona’s defense, calmly finishing past goalkeeper Joan García to level the score. This goal briefly threatened to derail Barcelona’s plans, showcasing Elche’s resilience despite their underdog status.
Barcelona regained the lead just before half-time when Ferran Torres found the net in the 40th minute. After a cutback from Frenkie de Jong, Torres blasted the ball high into the roof of the goal, restoring Barcelona’s advantage. The first half also saw several near misses, including Torres hitting the crossbar and having a shot cleared off the line, highlighting Barcelona’s offensive pressure.
In the second half, Barcelona made tactical substitutions, bringing on Marcus Rashford at halftime. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, made an immediate impact. In the 72nd minute, he scored Barcelona’s third goal, tapping in from close range after a low cross from Yamal. This goal effectively sealed the victory, demonstrating Rashford’s clinical finishing and his growing contribution to the team.
Rashford’s goal was his tenth of the season across all competitions, underscoring his importance since joining Barcelona. His ability to score crucial goals off the bench has been a valuable asset for manager Hansi Flick, providing depth and flexibility in attack. This match marked his second goal in as many games, following a strike in the Champions League midweek.
With this win, Barcelona now have 55 points from 22 games, putting them four points clear of Real Madrid, who have 51 points from 21 matches. Real Madrid can reduce the gap to one point if they win their game in hand against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The title race remains tight, but Barcelona’s consistent performance, with 15 wins in their last 16 games, positions them as strong contenders.
Looking ahead, Barcelona will aim to maintain their momentum in both La Liga and European competitions. The team’s blend of youth, like Yamal, and experience, with players like Rashford and Torres, bodes well for their aspirations. For Elche, the loss leaves them in 12th place, but their competitive display against the league leaders suggests potential for improvement in the remainder of the season.
