Three things you might have missed from Barcelona 3-1 Elche | OneFootball

Barcelona have bounced back strongly in La Liga, closing the gap to Real Madrid to just five points after a confident 3-1 victory over Elche at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. 

The win takes Hansi Flick’s side to 25 points, placing them firmly in second position and reigniting their title pursuit after the bitter disappointment of the El Clasico defeat.

The pressure was on, and the Catalans responded with composure and intent. 

Led by the attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford, Barça showed the kind of clinical edge that has often defined their best performances this season. 

Elche, to their credit, came with ambition. They pressed high, which created both danger and opportunity. 

Their approach backfired when a costly slip and turnover gifted Barcelona their first two goals as Flick’s men were quick to pounce. 

While much of the post-match discussion focused on tactics and individual brilliance, several subtle yet fascinating moments went largely unnoticed.

Barcelona’s Halloween surprise

During the halftime break, the stadium turned into a mini Halloween spectacle. 

The giant video screens lit up with images of iconic horror movie characters, paired amusingly with photos of fans in the stands who were deemed to resemble them. 

Even though the festivities came two days after October 31, the club’s effort to inject some seasonal fun didn’t go unnoticed. 

While the reaction among fans was mixed, it highlighted how modern football continues to blend entertainment and sport, turning matchday into a full-fledged experience.

La Familia

For Inaki Pena and Hector Fort, the night carried special emotional weight. Both Elche players were facing their parent club, making the occasion bittersweet. 

Pena shared touching moments with familiar faces, including a warm embrace from his former teammate Wojciech Szczesny, and a heartfelt hug from Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who remains sidelined with injury. 

The camaraderie between players once again showcased the close-knit nature of Barça’s dressing room.

Meanwhile, Fort, a proud La Masia graduate, also received affection from his former teammates, symbolising the bond that continues to unite those who have come through Barcelona’s academy system.

Believe it or not

Lamine Yamal scored his first La Liga goal since August. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Perhaps the biggest talking point was Lamine Yamal’s long-overdue La Liga goal. To put things in perspective, yesterday’s goal was his first since August 31. 

It took the 18-year-old just seven minutes to make his mark, reminding everyone why he is considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents.

His strike was pure quality – delicate control, quick composure, and a precise finish that left Pena rooted to the spot. 

After missing four of the last seven matches due to a groin injury, Yamal’s goal felt symbolic and a statement that he is back, hungry, and ready to fight for the title.

For Barcelona, the victory was about rediscovering rhythm, belief, and connection – the qualities that made them La Liga champions last season.