FC Barcelona moved to the summit of the LaLiga standings after defeating Elche 3-0 at the Camp Nou, with Robert Lewandowski starring once again.
The home side made a host of changes for the encounter, with Eric Garcia, Keita Balde, Frenkie de Jong, Franck Kessie and Memphis Depay coming back into the side.
the visitors did not get off to the best of starts, as Gonzalo Verdu was given a straight red card in the 15th minute for bringing down Robert Lewandowski who was through on goal.
Barcelona went close to pulling ahead midway through the first half, as Depay saw his close-range strike saved by Edgar Badia, before Lewandowski headed a minute later at the far post.
Lewandowski got his reward on 34 minutes with a simple finish from close range after Depay had missed Balde's cross from the left flank.
There was time to get a second goal before the break when Depay showed great skill and composure to turn his marker before burying the ball into the back of the net from close range.
The third goal arrived three minutes after the halftime break when Lewandowski pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired home his second goal of the game.
Depay had a big chance to extend the advantage even further when he planted a header wide of the goal from six yards out after some good work by Dembele.
There would be no hat-trick for Lewandowski as he made way for Ferran Torres in the 73rd minute while Elche threw on for Diego Gonzalez for Bigas.
Barcelona did push for more goal in the closing stages of the second half, with defender Ronaldo Aruajo squandered a golden chance in the six-yard box.
The win takes Barcelona up to top spot temporarily, as rivals Real Madrid can reclaim first place with victory in the Madrid derby on Sunday night.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click here to register: Sign In