Barcelona moved closer to securing their first La Liga title since 2019, thanks to a dominant win over Elche in which Robert Lewandowski scored twice.
The Poland striker broke the deadlock with a scrappy effort in the 20th minute, following a headed assist by Ronald Araujo from Jordi Alba’s free-kick.
Ansu Fati doubled Barcelona’s lead eight minutes into the second half before Lewandowski added his second of the game, assisted by Gavi, and Ferran Torres scored a superb curling effort from the edge of the box in the 70th minute to extend the lead further. Barcelona are now 15 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid in the table.
Despite a solid first-half showing, Elche lost their way after the break, and the defeat leaves them 14 points from safety at the bottom of the table.
This was Elche’s first match under their fourth permanent manager of the season, Sebastian Beccacece. Lewandowski had a chance to score his second goal of the game in the first half but missed a header from close range.
The hosts’ best chance came when Jose Angel Carmona was put clean through but had to stop after feeling his hamstring go. Three minutes later, Fati scored a superb solo goal from inside his own half to double Barcelona’s lead.
Lewandowski made it three with another scrappy finish on 66 minutes. Real Madrid can reduce the gap to 12 points when they face Real Valladolid on Sunday.