'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Lionel Messi and Neymar scored twice each as Barcelona recorded their biggest win 6-0 on Saturday, since April 2012. It is to be noted that Barcelona has already beaten Elche three times this season and has scored 12 goals in the process. Gerard Pique opened the score for the visitors at the 35th minute after bringing down Xavi’s free kick before beating Tyton with a right-footed finish.
Messi scored from a penalty for the first time this season and doubled the lead for the Catalans. Things got worse for the home side as they were reduced to 10-men after Faycal was shown second yellow card for a late challenge on Rafinha. Now, Messi turned provider as he assisted Neymar twice to bring a four-goal advantage to the visitors.
Later, Messi doubled his tally for the night with a low left-footed effort two minutes from time and Pedro completed the rout with an easy finish from Neymar’s pass. It was a commanding performance by the Catalan club, who had 72% possession and 8 attempts at goal on the night. This win takes Barcelona to 47 points, which is one point less than Real Madrid, who are sitting at the top with 48 points.
Also, today’s brace from Messi was his 77th in La-Liga, surpassing the record set by Telmo Zarra, who had scored 76 braces in La-Liga
Elche 0-1 Barcelona: Pique (35’)
Elche 0-2 Barcelona: Messi (55’)
Elche 0-3 Barcelona: Neymar (69’)
Elche 0-4 Barcelona: Neymar (71’)
Elche 0-5 Barcelona: Messi (88’)
Elche 0-6 Barcelona: Pedro (90+3’)
