After two league games without a win and a humiliating 3-0 loss to Bayern that knocked them out of the Champions League in the group stage for the first time in almost two decades, Barca's coach Xavi Hernandez was desperate for a win to take some of the pressure off his player's shoulders.
Xavi's bet on his younger players appeared to pay off as Spanish youngsters Ferran Junglat and Gavi both scored early on to give Barca a 2-0 lead.
But in the second half, Elche scored twice in two minutes through Tete Morente and Pere Milla.
Nico's superb strike in the 85th minute saved the day, however, helping Barca climb one spot in the standings to seventh, two points off the European qualifying places but still 15 points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, a Lucas Ocampos strike in the final minutes of the match gave second-placed Sevilla a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid.
In a feisty match between two sides that are trying to stay in contention with league leaders Real Madrid, Sevilla came out on top.
