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Goals from Frenkie de Jong and Riqui Puig helped Barcelona pick up a 2-0 victory in the 2020-21 La Liga over Elche at the Estadio Martinez Valero.
For their first La Liga fixture in two weeks, Ronald Koeman made two changes to his XI that dispatched Granada 4-0 in the last league game: Ronald Araujo came on in for Sergino Dest, while Martin Braithwaite replaced the suspended Lionel Messi.
Nevertheless, Barcelona started the game on the front foot but struggled to break down a resolute Elche defence. However, their breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Frenkie de Jong converted from close range.
A well-worked move saw Braithwaite put in a pin-point delivery into the Elche box. After Diego Gonzalez failed to clear under pressure from Antoine Griezmann. De Jong was on hand to open the scoring in the 38th minute.
The second half started brightly for Elche, who fashioned a few openings, but the Barcelona goalkeeper was on hand to keep the visitors' citadel intact.
Barcelona slowly regained control of proceedings, with Ousmane Dembele getting denied by the excellent Edgar Badia. However, Barcelona did double their lead on the night when Riqui Puig rose highest to head home a cross by Frenkie de Jong.
The win moves the Blaugrana up to 37 points, seven points behind table-toppers Atletico Madrid, who have two games in hand).
On that note, let us have a look at five talking points from the fixture.
#5 Profligate Elche fail to punish Barcelona
Elche were the better side in the opening moments of the second half. However, their wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeeping by the Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen proved to be the hosts' undoing.
Chances against Barcelona come at a premium, and after failing to capitalise on their opportunities, Elche were duly punished for their profligacy.
#4 Frenkie de Jong produces a memorable performance
Started at the base of the Barcelona midfield alongside Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong produced a dazzling performance.
The Netherlands international ended the game with a goal and an assist. He also also put in a decent defensive shift, producing four tackles and two interceptions in a Man-of-the-Match performance.
#3 Riqui Puig makes a difference off the bench
Riqui Puig is one of the highest-rated La Masia prospects at Barcelona but has seen his playing time severely limited under Ronald Koeman.
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old insists he has a future at his boyhood club and has vowed to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
Against Elche, Puig was summoned from the bench, and with three minutes to go, he scored with virtually his first touch of the game.
Despite standing at just 1.69 m, the midfielder somehow managed to get his head to a cross by De Jong to put Barcelona two goals to the good on the night.
It was his first Barcelona goal, and the joy on his face was palpable.
However, it remains to be seen if that would translate into more playing time under Koeman.
#2 Edgar Badia denies Barcelona a more resounding win
Edgar Badia has boosted his reputation with a series of good displays in goal, and he was stellar against Barcelona too.
The 28-year-old came into the game with the most saves by a goalkeeper in the La Liga this season (56). Badia was able to repel almost everything Barcelona threw at him.
He made six saves in the game, with the pick of the bunch coming when he dived low to his right to keep out a rasping drive by Ousmane Dembele. Despite ending on the losing side, Badia can hold his head high after a stellar performance between the sticks.
#1 Barcelona have now won two consecutive games without Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi's rash challenge late in injury time against Athletic Bilbao saw him receive the first red card of his Barcelona career.
Slapped with a two-game ban, the Barcelona captain had to sit out the games against Cornella and Elche. However, the Blaugrana won both games despite the absence of their talisman and captain.
After served out his ban, Lionel Messi will now be available for Barcelona's upcoming trip to Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday as well as the visit of Athletic Bilbao in the La Liga next weekend.
