Barcelona defeated Elche, who had ten men on the field, 3-0 earlier today at Spotify Camp Nou to earn their fifth straight victory of the La Liga season.
When Elche’s Gonzalo Verdu was dismissed after only 14 minutes of play, the game started to feel a little bit one-sided. With the numerical advantage, Barça appeared at ease and Robert Lewandowski scored the game’s first goal shortly after the half-hour mark.
Memphis Depay, who received a rare start on the day, made it 2-0 four minutes before halftime. Lewandowski then scored his second goal of the game shortly after the break to put the contest to rest.
With the victory, Barcelona moves to the top of the standings and may end the international break as the league’s top team if Real Madrid loses to Atletico Madrid in the Sunday derby.
Xavi discussed the depth of the team in his postgame remarks, saying: “We have a really big squad currently. Everyone is reacting and training well. Keep in mind that this season is peculiar, therefore we need everyone to be at the top of their game. We must unite as a family.
Titles are won with a large team rather than a predetermined starting XI. All 25 of our players are eligible to start each game. I will then have to make the decisions.
Regarding the outcome and the performance: “I’m glad to have prevailed. It was incredibly crucial. After they were dismissed from the game, everything changed. There is always space for improvement.
“The game had become more positional before the red card. After that, we had fun with it. In particular, throughout the second half, it felt quite simple.
We’ve had a successful start to the season, to quote the player. I’m incredibly appreciative. You can tell that everyone is always ready to play. Anyone can influence things.
“16 points out of 18 is a decent start. I am content.
Regarding Alejandro Balde, I was once again astounded by how well-versed a young player he is. We’ll get a lot from him. His physical state is revolting.
Balde excels as a left back. Three of our left backs are excellent. Balde, Marcos, and Jordi. Today, he provided various opportunities. He is quite mature, therefore I’m very glad for him.
“Pedri is a superb player,” one person said about him. He is knowledgeable about the game and his assists can be decisive.
For our future, Pedro needs to exercise more initiative. He is on par with the top football players that have ever played here at 19 years old. He needs our attention, so we must.
Regarding crowd support: “There is a spirit that permeates the stadium and the streets… Although there are demands and we must continue to work modestly, the attendance of 85,000 individuals indicates that there is enthusiasm.
Ansu Fati is in good physical shape and appears content. He got a few opportunities today and played fairly nicely. He and I have a plan, and we’re going to follow it. Don’t worry, he will be crucial.
The month of October will be extremely hectic. We have a jam-packed schedule. Having two weeks off from football will allow me to rest.
Ronald Araujo showed respect for the Barcelona logo by hopping over it to avoid stomping on it. A little something from him.
Regarding the enhanced defense, we place a premium on it. We don’t give up many opportunities. Everyone is pushing, well-focused, and productive.
Regarding Lewandowski, I was taken aback by his human side. He is a very modest man who is committed and hungry.
“We have a group consisting of young players who have not won titles, and they are hungry,” the coach said of the team’s youth.
He replied, “If I have time, absolutely,” when asked if he will watch the Madrid derby.
Regarding whether Franck Kessie deserved a second yellow card, the official said: “The decision of the referee might go any way. You must, in my opinion, believe in their reliability.
After giving birth to his child last night, Dembele continued to play: “Dembele was a professional. He didn’t get much sleep, so I asked him whether he was okay to play. He claimed that he always desires to play.
“We’re currently leading the La Liga title battle,” the player said.
Winning, winning, and more winning is the team’s mission. Every game needs to be won by us. We have to use winning as a drug. We are insatiable.
