Barcelona welcomed Elche to the Camp Nou on Sunday knowing that three points would see them return to the top of the La Liga table.
Goals from Alexis Sanchez and Pedro left a dominant Barcelona outfit 2-0 ahead at the interval.
Xavi missed a penalty in the early stages of the second half, but Sanchez made it 3-0 just past the hour mark, before completing his hat-trick 20 minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back La Liga live commentaries comes from the Camp Nou as the champions Barcelona welcome newly-promoted Elche. Barca have relinquished top spot after Atletico Madrid won at Malaga yesterday, but three points would see the Catalan outfit return to the top of the division after 18 matches.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Montoya, Bartra, Pique, Alba; Song, Iniesta, Xavi; Pedro, Fabregas, Sanchez
ELCHE: Tono; Albacar, Botia, Lomban, Sapunaru; Sanchez, Perez; Niguez, Fidel, Gil; Boakye
So there we have it. Lionel Messi is still not ready to return for Barcelona, but Victor Valdes, Xavi and Jordi Alba all feature from the start. There are 10 Spaniards in the Barca XI with Alexis Sanchez the only exception. Elche, meanwhile, recall Carles Gil and Richmond Boakye. Aaron Niguez and Ruben Perez also feature from the start.
Despite winning 15 of their 17 league games this season, Barcelona have drawn criticism for a perceived change of style under new boss Gerardo Martino. There is no question that they are a different team than in previous seasons, but the results are still the same. The treble is still on for Barca with Champions League and Copa del Rey qualification also secured.
As mentioned, their home form this season has been exceptional. They have won all eight of their league games in this stadium, scoring 27 times in the process and conceding just six. Their away form, unsurprisingly, has also been strong with seven wins from their nine games, but they have lost on the road in the league to Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona have also kept eight clean sheets in their 17 games this season, conceding just 12 times in the process. Goals have also not been too much of a problem with 49 to their name in La Liga. That is some feat when taking into account the length of time they have been without Lionel Messi, who as mentioned, is still not ready to feature.
Elche, meanwhile, have had a patchy season thus far. The newly-promoted outfit currently sit 15th in the table on 17 points, but are just two points outside of the bottom three. It is difficult to imagine the likes of Valencia and Malaga being pulled into the battle, but there are certainly around eight teams battling for survival this season.
Elche have won just twice on the road this season, but have lost just three of their eight games on their travels, which is not relegation form. They have struggled on their own patch, however, with just two wins from their nine matches. If they are to survive this season, you get the feeling that most of their points will need to come at home.
Defensively, Elche have been fairly solid this season. They have kept just two clean sheets, but have conceded just 23 times, which is a significantly better record than the likes of Sevilla, Valencia and Getafe, who all have European football on their minds. Goals have been a problem, however, with just 16 in their 17 games.
PREDICTION: In truth, it is extremely difficult to make a case for Elche in this particular match. If they are to survive this season, it will not depend on their results at places such as the Camp Nou. I am expecting a comfortable home victory in Barcelona. My score prediction is 4-0, with Pedro once more on the scoresheet.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that Elche need to stay in the match in the early exchanges. The home side get the first period underway at the Camp Nou following a tribute to Eusebio, who recently passed away.
Not a full house inside the Camp Nou this afternoon, but there is a strong atmosphere. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes. It is certain to be a tough afternoon for the away side as Sanchez is ruled offside following smart work from Iniesta.
Four minutes in and Elche have hardly had a kick. Pedro attempts to craft an opportunity down the right after embarking on a mazy run, but Sapunaru is across to clear the danger. Boakye has possession down the other end moments later, but is quickly surrounded by three Barcelona shirts.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with Elche guilty of stopping the play in the middle of the park. However, the Spanish official has not seen fit to issue a card thus far. No real chances inside six minutes as the away side continue to drop deeper and deeper.
The first corner of the afternoon is awarded to Elche as Fidel wins a set piece from Song. The resulting corner is delivered into the area by Edu Albacar, but Valdes clears with a powerful punch. Barcelona break with Fabregas, but Carlos Sanchez makes a fine challenge at the vital moment.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Elche (Sanchez)
Barcelona take the lead with seven minutes on the clock as Sanchez converts an Alba cross at the far post. Different year, same old Barcelona!
Another half-chance for the home side as Montoya breaks down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but Botia is across to clear at the vital moment. Elche attempt to break with Niguez, but the Spaniard is challenged by Song. It is imperative that the away side stay in the match in the early exchanges.
Elche are passing the ball impressively in the middle of the park, but have been unable to force the issue in the final third thus far. Barcelona regain possession moments later as Xavi finds Alba down the left, but the move breaks down at the vital moment. One-way traffic with 13 minutes on the clock.
CROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for Elche to level as Boakye finds some space inside the Barcelona box, but his effort smashes against the top of the crossbar. Brilliant counter from the away side, who had four or five players in attendance.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Elche (Pedro)
Barcelona have their second of the match after 16 minutes as Pedro collects a through pass from Fabregas before rounding Tono and sliding his effort into the back of the net. Game over?! Devastating from the Catalan outfit.
In fairness to Elche they have attempted to commit players in the final third, but they are being picked off on the counter attack. You have to fear for them if they concede a couple more before the interval. Just a reminder that three points for the home side would move them back to the top of La Liga.
The lineman's flag comes to the rescue for Elche as Iniesta finds Sanchez unmarked inside the box, but he had just moved into an offside position. The home side look dangerous every single time they attack, but Elche have had their moments, with Boakye rattling the crossbar just before Barca's second.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with neither side able to find that elusive pass in the final third. Meanwhile, a late challenge from Fabregas on Perez further interrupts the play. For the sake of the game, an Elche goal would certainly make matters more exciting.
It is almost like a training exercise for Barcelona at the moment as they continue to pass and probe outside the Elche box. Sanchez quickens the pace as he combines with Fabregas on the edge of the box, but Lomban is across to clear at the vital moment. Still 2-0 Barcelona after 26 minutes of football.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to make it 3-0 as Fabregas finds Pedro at the far post, but his effort just curls past the post. Barcelona could be four or five ahead here. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining at the Camp Nou. Torture for Elche.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments as Elche continue to make a number of late challenges in the middle of the park. Xavi finds Pedro inside the area moments later, but he lifts his effort over the crossbar under pressure from Lomban.
Around 750 Elche supporters have made the trip to the Camp Nou this afternoon to watch their side in action, but they have not had too much to be excited about thus far. Barcelona continue to utterly dominate the possession, with Elche's only chance of note coming in the early stages when Boakye rattled the crossbar from inside the box.
Just a reminder that, as it stands, Barcelona will move back to the top of the table. Atletico Madrid enjoyed that position last night after beating Malaga, but it does appear that the Catalan side will return to the summit. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in the first period, but Elche appear to have tightened up in defence.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to score their third as Pedro puts it on a plate for Iniesta inside the box, but his effort is headed clear by a combination of two defenders. Elche had enjoyed their best period of possession moments before, but lost the ball in their own half.
BACK-PASS! The referee awards an indirect free kick for Barcelona as Botia taps back to his own goalkeeper under pressure from Pedro. For me, that is a harsh decision. The free kick is taken short to Xavi, but the 10-man wall blocks the effort.
In fairness to Elche, they have improved since falling 2-0 behind, but they continue to struggle to keep possession. Iniesta embarks on a mazy run into the area moments later, but he cannot find space at the final moment, with Perez across to clear the danger. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
It is a training session for Barcelona at the moment as they continue to pass and probe outside the box. It shows the difference between the top teams and those just below mid-table in Spain. Not much of an atmosphere inside the Camp Nou it must be said. It is just all too easy for Martino's side.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to make it 3-0 as Fabregas finds Sanchez inside the box, but the Chilean's effort is just wide of the post.
HALF TIME: Barcelona 2-0 Elche
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Sanchez and Pedro. Elche have had a couple of bright moments on the counter, but it has been a half utterly dominated by the Catalan outfit. They are on course to return to the top of the La Liga table.
STATISTICS: The home side have had 64% of the possession, while they have had eight attempts to Elche's one. That said, Elche's attempt almost brought them a goal as Boakye rattled the crossbar from close range. The away side have managed to tighten up in defence following a shaky start.
BENCH WATCH: Barcelona have an embarrassment of options on their bench with the likes of Neymar, Javier Mascherano, Cristian Tello, Adriano and Sergi Roberto all in reserve. Meanwhile, Elche also have attacking options in the shape of Manu del Moral, Mantecon and Javi Marquez.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from El Sadar as Osasuna welcome Espanyol - be sure to remain with us for that. Right, the away side get the second period underway. Can Elche respond?
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect both managers will look to alter proceedings as the half gathers pace. The home supporters are expecting more goals in the second 45 minutes that is for certain.
CHANCE! It's brilliant work from Iniesta as the Barcelona midfielder finds some space down the right before delivering a wonderful cross towards Sanchez, but the Chilean just pushes Lomban at the far post.
PENALTY TO BARCELONA!
The home side are awarded a penalty in the early stages of the second period as Sapunaru fells Fabregas inside the box. Easy decision for the referee.
WIDE! Xavi fires his spot kick wide of the post! Wow. I did not expect that!
Barcelona continue to force the issue as Sanchez drives down the right before delivering a low cross towards Fabregas, but Lomban is across to clear the danger. Montoya drives a low cross into the box moments later, but there are no takers at the far post.
Some suspect defending from the home side as Bartra combines with Valdes inside his own box, but the goalkeeper is able to fire into the stands under pressure from Gil. Boakye has possession for the away side moments later, but his effort is blocked by Pique.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Elche enjoying more of the possession in the final third. Meanwhile, the referee continues to be called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. Little over 30 minutes of the second period remaining at the Camp Nou.
Brilliant combination between Iniesta and Sanchez on the edge of the Elche box, but Botia manages to clear at the vital moment. Elche attempt to break down the other end with Boakye, but once more he has no support in the final third. Still 2-0 Barcelona after 58 minutes of football.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Pedro to make it 3-0 as the winger is found by Iniesta just inside the box, but his effort just flashes wide of the post. However, you get the feeling he might have more chances to add to his tally in the final 30 minutes or so.
Elche make their first change of the match with little under 30 minutes remaining as Manu del Moral, who is currently on loan from Sevilla, replaces Fidel, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. If Elche can cut the deficit to 2-1, then anything could happen.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Elche (Sanchez)
Barcelona have their third of the match after 63 minutes as Sanchez turns home from close range following smart work from Pedro. That is indeed game, set and match.
You have to fear for Elche in the latter stages as the match continues to open up. Barcelona make their first change of the match moments later as Xavi is replaced by Sergi Roberto - another emerging talent at the Camp Nou. It would be fair to say that they have a few.
The away side make their second change of the match as Javi Marquez replaces Carlos Sanchez for the final 20 minutes or so. This game is gone, but it is about consolidation at this stage of proceedings. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Osasuna against Espanyol.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-0 Elche (Sanchez)
Stunning, just stunning from Sanchez as the Chilean curls a wonderful free kick into the top corner. Sensational hat-trick from the attacker.
Elche have not played too badly this afternoon, but have conceded four times, which is bad news for the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Possession football for the home side at the moment as they continue to work the ball from left to right.
Another half-chance for the home side as Fabregas finds Pedro inside the Elche box, but Lomban is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The home side make their second change moments later as Sanchez is replaced by Tello for the final 15 minutes or so.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Barcelona more than happy to keep possession of the ball. However, it would not be a surprise to see more goals in the final stages. Elche will be keen to get through the last 10 minutes or so unscathed at the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Opportunity for the home side to score their fifth as Pedro advances into the box, but his effort is straight at Tono from close range. Meanwhile, Neymar is preparing to enter proceedings for the final 10 minutes.
Elche look to their bench once more as Mantecon replaces Sapunaru, who hobbles off the field. Barcelona respond with a change of their own moments later as Neymar replaces Pedro, who has been sensational this evening.
Just a reminder that Barcelona travel to Atletico Madrid next week. What a contest. As it stands, both are level on points at the top of the table. Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the latter stages with Pique joining the attack, but the Spaniard cannot find the run Fabregas at the final moment.
Big penalty shout for the home side as Botia fells Iniesta inside the Barcelona box, but the referee is not interested. I have seen them given, but it was more a tangle of legs than anything. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining at the Camp Nou.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but the free-kick count continues to rise as Elche's frustration continues. Neymar is on the receiving end of a late tackle from Perez, who is handed a booking for his troubles. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining at the Camp Nou. Barca are heading for the top of the La Liga table.
Half-chance for Neymar as the Brazilian finds some space on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight at Tono from close range. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.
FULL TIME: Barcelona 4-0 Elche
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Barcelona collecting all three points in a 4-0 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Osasuna against Espanyol. Until then!
