Barcelona overcame Elche 3-1 on November 2, 2025, in a crucial La Liga matchday 11 fixture, keeping pace with league leaders Real Madrid. Goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford secured the victory for the culés.
The win prevents Real Madrid from extending their lead, though the gap remains at five points. Barcelona, needing a convincing performance to maintain pressure on the top spot, delivered despite ongoing injury concerns.
Barcelona’s starting lineup included Szczesny, Koundé, Araujo, Eric García, Balde, Casadó, frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Rashford, and Ferran Torres. elche countered with Iñaki Peña, Álvaro nuñez, Bigas, Affengruber, Pedrosa, Valera, Neto, Aguado, Febas, Rafa mir and André Silva.
The team faces challenges with a significant number of players sidelined, including goalkeepers Marc-André ter Stegen and Joan García, defender Andreas Christensen, midfielders Pablo Páez gavira ‘Gavi’ and Pedro González ‘Pedri’, and striker Rafael Dias ‘Raphinha’. Lamine Yamal also played while recovering from pubalgia.
Following a 2-1 victory in El Clásico, Real Madrid currently holds a five-point advantage over Barcelona. Barcelona previously secured three points from their last nine in the competition with a 2-1 win against Girona. Robert Lewandowski and dani Olmo have recently recovered from injuries, but Pedri remains unavailable due to a recent expulsion and subsequent injury.
