Barcelona 3-2 Elche: Nico settles Christmas cracker at Camp Nou
The Catalans threw away a two goal lead but managed to earn the points at the death
In the end it was a real Christmas cracker, even if Barcelona would have preferred a quiet night at Camp Nou.
Xavi’s side got a vital win to move provisionally seventh and build up some confidence ahead of the trip to face Sevilla.
Ferran Jutgla, handed a start by Xavi after he scored against Boca Juniors in the midweek friendly, got the Catalans off to a good start. He headed home from a corner to cap a good display.
Gavi doubled the lead with a brilliant piece of play three minutes later, turning in midfield, beating Roco and drilling home.
That should have been that, but nothing is simple for Barcelona these days and in two second-half minutes, the visitors managed to pull level.
They had chances, with Roco particularly guilty of a bad miss from close range, but Tete Morente made no mistake when he lashed past Ter Stegen.
And then Pere Milla headed in at the back post with the German goalkeeper left scrambling.
Barcelona got back on their feet and pushed for a winner. Eventually, it came through Nico Gonzalez, on off the bench. The youngsters did not give up or give in.
It was a thing of beauty, Gavi and Dembele and then Gavi again, working the ball into the box and Nico blasted into the top corner under pressure.
That was decisive and Barcelona can head into the Sevilla game with some good vibes, at least.
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