The Albany Gazette - Barca triumph at Elche to extend Liga lead

Hansi Flick's side created several more clear chances in an entertaining clash but the woodwork and some profligate finishing stopped them from securing a far bigger victory.

Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid, second, host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday aiming to restore the gap back to one point.

Elche, 12th, have impressed this season and created good chances of their own at the Martinez Valero stadium, but Barca were too strong for them.

Teenage star Yamal opened the scoring after six minutes after Dani Olmo sent him through on goal.

The 18-year-old coolly rounded goalkeeper Inaki Pena, a former Barca player, and slotted home. Olmo came close to doubling Barca's lead but clipped the top of the crossbar with a shot from the edge of the box.

After a groin issue troubled Yamal during the first half of the campaign, in recent weeks he has returned to his top level.

Elche equalised with a well-worked move to get Alvaro Rodriguez in behind Barca's high line and he fired past Joan Garcia.

Torres should have restored the Catalans' advantage but, in a comical moment, hit the crossbar from point blank range and then immediately diverted the rebound against the post.

The Spain international made amends by smashing home after fine work by Frenkie de Jong, who drew Pena out and then found Torres, who was left with the simple task of finishing.

Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Torres all spurned good chances for more goals as Barca created danger at will, with Elche coach Eder Sarabia, a former Barca assistant under Quique Setien, sticking with his open style.

Rashford was also guilty of missing a good chance after he came on for Raphinha at half-time, curling past the post as he ran through.

The English winger, on loan from Manchester United, did score Barca's third, his 10th of the season across all competitions, after Yamal's cross was blocked and fell nicely to him.

(M.Scott--TAG)