Barcelona extends LaLiga lead with 3-1 derby win against Espanyol

Dani Olmo’s first-half double and Raphinha’s goal helped Barcelona beat Espanyol 3-1 in the Catalan derby on Sunday, extending their unbeaten streak over their rivals to 27 games.

Barcelona went nine points ahead of Real Madrid, who forfeited their match at Valencia this weekend due to the disastrous rains. Espanyol are 17th, one point above relegation.  Barcelona, who beat Real Madrid 4-0 last weekend, should have held another clean sheet, but Javi Puado scored for Espanyol, who had two goals disallowed by VAR for offsides.

“We’re progressing slowly, but winning is crucial. A good week ended. Espanyol wouldn’t give us anything, but we gained three points, so mission achieved…” Olmo stated.

“Our midfielders and forwards score often. We played directly and created several chances every game.”

Barcelona dominated possession from the start and nearly scored with a slick passing move, but Olmo’s header from the heart of the box flew over to save Espanyol.

Soon after, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal sent him through with a beautiful pass with his left boot, and Olmo scored first time.

Marc Casado’s lob over the defense found Raphinha, who chipped his shot past the onrushing keeper to make it 2-0.