Rashford scores as Barcelona beat Elche | OneFootball

In a thrilling LaLiga encounter, Barcelona clinched a decisive 3-1 victory against Elche at the Manuel Martínez Valero stadium. The match, which took place on January 31, 2026, saw Barcelona dominate possession and create numerous chances, reflecting their superior strategy and execution on the field.

The game kicked off with Barcelona quickly taking the lead in the 6th minute through Lamine Yamal, who scored with a right-footed strike from the middle of the box, courtesy of a well-timed assist by Dani Olmo. Elche responded in the 29th minute with Álvaro Rodríguez leveling the score, thanks to Germán Valera's precise through ball. However, Barcelona regained the lead shortly before halftime, with Ferran Torres striking in the 42nd minute after an assist from Frenkie de Jong.

In the second half, Barcelona continued to press and finally extended their lead in the 72nd minute through Marcus Rashford, who scored from close range, sealing the victory for his team. The stats highlight Barcelona's dominance with 61% possession and 30 shots, 8 of which were on target, compared to Elche's 39% possession and 9 shots.

This victory reinforces Barcelona's strong position in the league, as they continue to showcase their tactical prowess and depth of talent. Elche, despite the loss, showed resilience but will need to regroup and strategize for their upcoming fixtures.

Incidents: The story of the match

4':

Missed opportunity! Raphinha from Barcelona took a left-footed shot from over 35 yards out, but it went wide to the left after a quick counterattack.

4':

Opportunity wasted. Raphinha from Barcelona took a left-footed shot from over 35 yards but sent it wide to the left after a quick counterattack.

Elche 0, Barcelona 1. Lamine Yamal scores for Barcelona with a right-footed strike from the middle of the box, finding the center of the net. The goal was set up by Dani Olmo, who provided a precise through ball after a quick counterattack.Elche 0, Barcelona 1. Lamine Yamal scores for Barcelona, firing a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area straight into the goal. The assist came from Dani Olmo, who set him up with a perfectly timed through ball during a quick counterattack.

7':

Opportunity wasted. Germán Valera from Elche attempted a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went over the bar and to the left.

16':

Opportunity wasted! Dani Olmo from Barcelona took a right-footed shot from the center of the box but failed to find the target. The assist came from Alejandro Balde.

18':

Opportunity wasted. Ferran Torres from Barcelona attempted a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

23':

Opportunity wasted. Álvaro Rodríguez from Elche attempted a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area.

25':

Opportunity wasted! Rodrigo Mendoza from Elche took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area but it went wide to the left. The assist came from André Silva.

It's now Elche 1, Barcelona 1. Álvaro Rodríguez scores for Elche, firing a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom right corner. The assist comes from Germán Valera, who delivered a perfectly timed through ball.Elche 1, Barcelona 2. Ferran Torres scores for Barcelona with a right-footed shot from the middle of the box, sending the ball into the top center of the net. The assist came from Frenkie de Jong.

42':

Opportunity wasted. Fermín López from Barcelona attempted a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

43':

Opportunity wasted! Raphinha from Barcelona took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area that narrowly missed the target. Alejandro Balde provided the assist.

44':

Opportunity wasted! Fermín López from Barcelona fired a right-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sailed over the goal. The chance was set up by Raphinha during a quick counter-attack.

46':

Missed opportunity. Fermín López from Barcelona attempted a right-footed shot from a challenging angle on the left following a corner kick.

50':

Opportunity wasted. Álvaro Rodríguez from Elche attempted a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it went just wide to the left. The assist came from Germán Valera during a quick counterattack.

63':

Missed opportunity. Adam El Mokhtari from Elche attempted a right-footed shot from the center of the box but failed to score. The assist came from Martim Neto.

68':

Opportunity wasted! Marcus Rashford of Barcelona took a right-footed shot from the center of the penalty area but it went wide. The assist came from Frenkie de Jong.

Elche 1, Barcelona 3. Marcus Rashford finds the net for Barcelona with a right-footed shot from close range.Elche 1, Barcelona 3. Marcus Rashford scores for Barcelona with a right-footed shot from close range, sending the ball into the top center of the net.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match