Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski continued his insatiable run in front of goal by scoring twice, while Memphis Depay also got on the scoresheet as the Catalans cruised to a 3-0 win at home to struggling Elche in La Liga on Saturday.

The victory took Barca top of the standings on 16 points from six games although Real Madrid, on 15, can return to the summit if they win away to Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Barcelona’s task against the league’s bottom side was made easier when Elche centre-back Gonzalo Verdu was sent off in the 14th minute for pulling Lewandowski’s shirt as the striker was about to reach the area.

Madrid Derby

Axel Witsel feels if Atletico Madrid are able to deal with the pressure and remain calm then they have a fair chance of winning the Derby against Real Madrid at the Metropolitano on Sunday.

“One of the reasons we are in football is to play games like this. I’m very much aware of what we have to do. There is a lot of pressure in a Derby but we have to deal with that pressure and stay calm, be ourselves and do everything we possibly can,” the 33-year-old Belgian, who would be playing his maiden Madrid Derby, said in quotes shared by La Liga.

Witsel believes Atletico can certainly fancy their chances if they play to their potential.

“Real have a lot of stars. But we too have a very strong squad. We are in great shape, so it is up to us to play to our potential,” Witsel emphasised.

Real will still be without injured captain Karim Benzema and winger Lucas Vazquez.

Written with inputs from Reuters