The Catalans trampled the visitors with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Spotify Camp Nou courtesy of a brace from Lewandowski and a screamer from Memphis Depay. Barca News Network brings you four key talking points after Barca’s 3-0 win against Elche.
1. First goal of the season for Memphis:
Memphis Depay has fallen down the pecking order despite having a good start last season. The signings of Lewandowski and Raphinha have forced him out of the front three. Xavi trusted him with a start against Elche and he didn’t disappoint. The Dutchman plunged on Balde’s pass, turned to beat his marker, and sent a screamer to the top of the net to get his first goal of the season. He may have lost his place in the team but that goal may improve his confidence and help him fight for his place back into the starting eleven.
2. Improvement in the defensive structure:
Xavi fielded the more familiar backline against Elche with Kounde, Araujo, Eric, and Balde in the starting eleven following his defensive shuffle at Bayern. His defense seems to be slowly growing an astute understanding as Elche were only allowed one shot on target with Xavi’s side grabbing another clean sheet after a solid performance from the entire team.
3. Pedri’s magic:
The 19-year-old canary islander once again showed the world his magic with his sublime performance against Elche. Pedri was everywhere, running the show in midfield with his long balls and line-breaking passes. Despite that Tuesday night shocker in Munich, Pedri never seemed to be dragged down by it.
4. The continued progress of Alejandro Balde:
Alejandro Balde once again justified his selection and impressed everyone with another solid display defensively and offensively. He also grabbed a brace of assists against Elche. Xavi was also amazed by the performance of the teenager.
Xavi: “I am happy for him. He has great quality and character. It never ceases to amaze me that an 18-year-old can play at that level.
“Physically he is amazing and he is going to give us a lot. We have three left-backs at an extraordinary level, with Jordi and Marcos Alonso as well.”
