Robert Lewandowski had a rare off night against Bayern Munich in midweek but was back among the goals against Elche to continue his fine La Liga form.
The striker also helped Barca’s cause by ensuring Elche would play most of the game with 10 men.
Lewandowski latched onto a pass by Frenkie de Jong and it needed a crude rugby tackle from Gonzalo Verdu after 14 minutes to stop him running clear through on goal.
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The red card duly emerged and the afternoon went downhill from then on for an Elche side who are having a dismal start to the season.