Barcelona are all but guaranteed progress to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey after taking a 3-0 lead away at Elche in this evening's second-leg clash at the Martinez Valero, which puts them 8-0 up on aggregate in the tie.
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The first chance of the game fell to the visitors in the eighth minute, when Adriano connected with a ball whipped across the box, but he scuffed his shot wide of the post.
On the quarter-hour mark, a deep cross beat the Barca defence and dropped to Cristian Herrera, who controlled the ball before smashing in a strike, but Marc Bartra was on hand to block the effort and clear the danger.
Nevertheless, the Blaugrana took the lead in the 21st minute when Jeremy Mathieu lashed a powerful free kick into the top corner of the Elche net.
With the away side now leading so emphatically on aggregate, they appeared content to play the ball around the midfield and keep possession, before looking for their chance to penetrate the beleaguered hosts.
Barca did succeed in doubling their lead in the 40th minute, Sergi Roberto collecting the ball around 25 yards out from goal, before firing a powerful shot past Manu.
Just before the break, Albacar hacked down Adriano inside the box, which gifted the visitors a penalty.
Pedro made no mistake with the spot kick, placing the ball into the bottom left corner with the keeper diving the wrong way.
Giuseppe Labellarte
