Barca beat Elche to recover from Clasico loss

Barcelona, Nov. 4: Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford struck for Barcelona as they earned a 3-1 win over Elche in La Liga on Sunday to bounce back from last weekend's Clasico defeat.

Ferran Torres was also on target for the Catalan giants, who moved back into second place to trail leaders Real Madrid by five points.

Barca continued to struggle in defence and Elche had chances to cause an upset, scoring through Rafa Mir, with the striker also twice hitting the woodwork.

Hansi Flick's Barca have failed to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive league games, in the midst of an injury crisis.

The champions were missing Raphinha, Pedri, and Joan Garcia among others, but were able to bring on Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo following spells out of action.

Teenage star Yamal underwhelmed in last week's defeat by Real Madrid after coming back from a groin issue, but looked more sprightly against Elche.

"We found our spirit and intensity," Torres told DAZN.

"I think we're finding last year's Barca, from the first minute to last we gave everything, and we'll keep doing that."

Elsewhere Real Betis rose to fifth with a convincing 3-0 home win over Mallorca, inspired by Brazilian winger Antony.

The former Manchester United forward struck twice and created the third for Ez Abde as the Andalusians moved three points behind Atletico in fourth.

Haaland fires City to second 

Erling Haaland scored twice to propel Manchester City up to second in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday.

The Cherries started the day in second thanks to the longest unbeaten run in the English top flight.

But Andoni Iraola's side were undone by the scintillating form of the Norwegian striker, who took his tally to 13 Premier League goals in 10 games.

Haaland's relentless streak is maintaining City's title challenge as they reduced the gap to leaders Arsenal back to six points and edged one point ahead of Liverpool, who they face next weekend.

"Important win," said Haaland. "It's good to bounce back after losing a bad away game. It was nice. I tried to contribute for the team by doing my job and we won again."

Milan deny Roma top spot 

Strahinja Pavlovic scored the only goal as AC Milan edged Roma 1-0 to prevent the capital club from taking top spot in Serie A on Sunday, while Inter Milan needed a late own goal to beat Verona.

Roma were hoping to move two points clear at the summit after reigning champions and leaders Napoli were held to a goalless draw on Saturday by Como.

But Pavlovic's strike and a late missed penalty from Paulo Dybala ensured Milan instead climbed into third place, level on points with both second-placed Inter and Roma, who dropped to fourth.

Napoli are a point ahead of that trio.

Massimiliano Allegri's Milan are still unbeaten since a surprise home loss to Cremonese on the opening day of the season.

Inter Milan were handed a 2-1 win at Verona.

Winless so far this season, Verona fell behind in the 16th minute when Inter's Piotr Zielinski thundered home a volley from a poorly cleared corner.

Giovane levelled for Verona on 40 minutes.

It appeared the game would peter out during much of a second half played in relentless rain, until a late cross from Nicolo Barella was turned agonisingly into his own net by Verona defender Martin Frese three minutes into added time. (AFP)