Barcelona returned to winning form in La Liga with a composed performance against Elche, securing a much-needed victory following their El Clásico defeat. The result provided a timely boost for Xavi Hernández’s side, who showed renewed energy and control throughout the contest.

Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, played a key role in the victory, finding the net with a confident finish that underlined his growing influence in the squad. The forward’s movement and precision in the final third caused constant problems for the Elche defense, offering Barcelona the attacking edge they had lacked in recent fixtures.

From the outset, Barcelona dictated the tempo, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Their patience in build-up play was eventually rewarded when Rashford latched onto a through ball from Pedri, slotting calmly past the goalkeeper to open the scoring. The goal sparked confidence across the team, as Barça maintained control and limited Elche’s attacking opportunities.

In the second half, Xavi’s men managed the game intelligently, focusing on ball retention and defensive stability. The introduction of young talents from the bench added fresh energy, while veterans such as Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan ensured composure in key moments.

The win not only lifts Barcelona’s morale but also helps them stay within reach of the league’s top spots. After a frustrating El Clásico defeat, this performance served as an important reminder of the team’s depth and determination. Rashford’s display, in particular, highlighted his adaptability and growing chemistry with his new teammates.

With fixtures against Villarreal and Real Betis on the horizon, Xavi will hope this result marks the start of a consistent run of form as Barcelona continue their pursuit of domestic success.