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A sublime first-half attacking display was enough to give Barcelona all three points in their derby-day clash with Espanyol. Goals from Dani Olmo either side of a Raphinha chip put the Liga leaders out of sight of their rivals, who were torn apart as Sunday’s game resulted in a 3-1 victory for Hansi Flick’s side.
Barca were untouchable in the opening spell and it took just 12 minutes for their magic to tell. Lamine Yamal split the Espanyol defence open with the outside of his boot to find Olmo, whose first-time finish flashed past Joan Garcia to put the hosts ahead.
Eleven minutes later, Marc Casado lifted a pass over the Espanyol defence to find the onrushing Raphinha, who was brave to beat Garcia to the ball and lift it over the stricken goalkeeper. Olmo then added his second, and Barcelona’s third, with an effort from distance to wrap up the three points.
Espanyol had the ball in the back of the Barcelona net four times as balls in behind the defence were a constant threat. The Barcelona high-line twice caught the visitors millimetres offside, but were taught their lesson on the third occasion as Javi Puado snatched a goal back.
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (6/10):
A strong save from Puado was all Pena had to do on a quiet day for the goalkeeper, as he could do little for the Espanyol goal.
Hector Fort (7/10):
The young right-back got stuck into a number of challenges and offered a threat going forward. A tad fortunate with a goal
Inigo Martinez (6/10):
A solid day at the back but struggled at times with the high defensive line.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
Another strong display, with an impressive goal-saving challenge on Kral early in the second half the stand out moment.
Alejandro Balde (5/10):
Lost Puado at the back post for the Espanyol goal and was caught out on a number of times with balls in behind.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Marc Casado (8/10):
Dictated the game from the heart of midfield and threw himself into every challenge. Dominated the Espanyol midfield before substituted on the hour mark.
Pedri (7/10):
The midfielder did not put a foot wrong and slowed the tempo of the game in the second half when it was needed.
Dani Olmo (9/10):
The Spain international’s runs between the lines were too much for the Espanyol midfield and defence to handle. Took his goals well with two fine finishes from close-range and distance.
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AFPAttack
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
The 17-year-old continues to dazzle and assisted the opener with a superb outside-of-the-boot pass to Olmo. Ran poor Carlos Romero ragged.
Robert Lewandowki (6/10):
Not his best game, but an industrious performance from the veteran forward who worked hard to allow his fellow attackers to shine.
Raphinha (7/10):
Another game and another goal for the Brazilian who worked tirelessly off the ball. His dinked finish was brave and capped a fine performance.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
Worked hard when he came on the pitch but could not offer the same threat as Olmo had.
Frenkie De Jong (6/10):
Barca lost a bit of control when he came on for Casado, but was tidy in possession and ran the show in the latter stages.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Was solid when he came on but not really threatened.
Gavi (N/A):
Offered little in the limited time he had on the field.
Ansu Fati (N/A):
Had little time to make an impact on the game. Had a late goal disallowed.
Hansi Flick (7/10):
A fabulous first-half display, but will be unhappy with a sloppy second half that allowed Espanyol back into the game.
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