Barcelona ended their three games winless run as Substitute Nico Gonzalez scored a late winner against Elche to make the scores 3-2. Barca has been without a win in both La Liga and the other leagues they play in but the victory ensures a return to winning ways by the Spanish giants.
Barca were out in front by Ferran Jutgla with a header in the opening 16 minutes before Paez Gaviria doubled the lead thee minutes later. They headed into the first half with a comfortable 2-0 but when they returned for the next 45 minutes, the visitors not willing to fall without a fight pulled two goals in three minutes.
Substitutes Tete Morente and Pere Milla stunned the hosts as Elche scored twice in as many minutes to draw level. But 17-year-ilf Gonzalez poked into the top corner five minutes from time to win it.
The win means Xavi’s side sit seventh, three points off a Champions League spot and 15 behind leaders Real Madrid who have a game to play later today. They are now only two points behind fifth-placed champions Atletico Madrid, who lost 2-1 to Sevilla.
Barcelona had failed to win their previous three outings, with a 2-2 draw at Osasuna last Sunday following defeats by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Real Betis in La Liga. Elche remain 16th, two points above the relegation zone.