Sanchez hat-trick returns Barca to La Liga summit

Tuesday, 7 January 2014 00:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Alexis Sanchez hit a hat-trick as Barcelona swept aside Elche 4-0 to return to the top of La Liga on goal difference ahead of Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Showing no sign of missing the injured Lionel Messi and rested Neymar, Barca took an early lead through Sanchez and Pedro made it 2-0 after 15 minutes. Xavi Hernandez missed a penalty at the start of the second half before Sanchez added another and completed his hat-trick with a free kick. Barca and Atletico, who beat Malaga on Saturday, both have 49 points, eight more than third-placed Real Madrid.