Barcelona make it 11 games unbeaten with a hard-fought victory over Elche after a late Depay penalty clinched a 2-1 win.
The hosts lead at the breakthrough Fidel, but the introduction of Torres at the break helped Barca.
And the winger had numerous chances to score before finally scoring the equaliser on the hour mark.
The visitors then pushed hard in search of a winner. Eventually, they got their reward when the referee awarded them a penalty following a VAR review after Barragan was deemed to have intentionally blocked Depay’s cross with his arm, and Depay converted from the spot.
Starting Lineup:
ELCHE (4-4-2): Edgar Badia;
Antonio Barragan, Enzo Roco, Diego Gonzalez, Johan Mojica;
Tete Morente, Omar Mascarell, Raul Guti, Fidel;
Pere Milla, Lucas Boye.
BARCELONA (4-3-3): Marc-Andre Ter Stegen;
Dani Alves, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba;
Frenkie De Jong, Sergio Busquets, Pedri;
Gavi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ousmane Dembele.
Goals:
ELCHE, TAKE THE LEAD! Fidel opens the scoring just before the break and fires the home side ahead after a massive mistake by Pedri. The Barca midfielder tries to win the ball back after losing it in midfield but inadvertently plays a pass straight into the feet of Fidel, who races into the box and then drills it into the bottom right corner of the net. They lead 1-0.
BARCA EQUALISE! Torres makes it 1-1 on the hour mark! The winger has looked lively since coming on at the break, and he’s got his side back into this one. Dembele’s cross from the right is cut out and falls to Alba, who manages to squeeze a pass into the six-yard box. Torres is the quickest to react, and he pokes it into the back of the net from close range.
BARCA ARE AHEAD! Depay steps up to take the spot-kick, and it’s a superb penalty, firing the ball into the top right corner of the net. Badia had no chance of stopping that one. So it’s 2-1.
So, what’s next for Elche and Barcelona?
This win moves Barcelona up to third in LaLiga, two points ahead of Real Betis in the fourth spot.
Xavi’s side will now turn their attentions to the Europa League as they face Galatasary in midweek, before returning to LaLiga action at the weekend against Osasuna.
Meanwhile, Elche remains 14th, just five points above the relegation zone, and they’ll face Granada next time out.
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