Barcelona secured a dramatic 2-0 victory over city rivals Espanyol on Saturday at the RCDE Stadium, moving seven points clear at the top of La Liga, thanks to late strikes from substitutes Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.
The win extended Barcelona’s league winning streak to nine games but came after a challenging performance against a spirited Espanyol side.
Coach Hansi Flick credited his goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, with keeping the champions in the contest. “We didn’t deserve it, I’ll be honest, but in the end the quality we brought on the pitch after the changes decided the game,” Flick said. “First of all I have to say thank you to Joan Garcia because he played unbelievably. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
Garcia, who moved to Barcelona from Espanyol last summer — becoming the first player to make that switch in over 30 years — faced a hostile reception from his former fans.
Security measures, including large safety nets behind the goals, were put in place to shield him from projectiles while banners depicting rats were waved in his direction. Despite the hostility, Garcia produced several crucial saves.
Espanyol had the better chances in the first half. Striker Roberto Fernandez broke through Barca’s defence but saw his shot blocked by Garcia.
The goalkeeper then improvised to stop a follow-up by Pere Milla and tipped away a seemingly certain header. Garcia’s performance kept the score level at half-time.
“Joan is incredible, a great goalkeeper. Playing against his old fans, he had a great game and got a clean sheet,” Olmo told Movistar. “He will give us a lot — he’s giving us that and he will give us so much more too, I’m sure.”
Barcelona’s first clear chance came in the 70th minute when Eric Garcia found himself one-on-one with the Espanyol goalkeeper, Marko Dmitrovic, who produced a stunning save to keep Espanyol in the game.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 86th minute when Fermin Lopez drove forward and delivered a precise pass for Olmo, who curled the ball into the top right corner. Lewandowski added the second in the 90th minute after another fine Lopez charge, completing a late ‘smash-and-grab’ success for Barca.
“I don’t celebrate the first 80 minutes, how we played,” admitted Flick. “But in the end we scored the two goals, got the three points and this is a massive message to La Liga and very important.”
Espanyol, who had been on a five-game winning streak prior to the derby, were left frustrated as the loss ended their run. Meanwhile, Barcelona extended their advantage over second-placed Real Madrid, who host Real Betis on Sunday.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Villarreal overcame Elche 3-1 to move provisionally third, with Alberto Moleiro and Georges Mikautadze giving the visitors an early lead before Martim Neto’s strike for Elche.
Alfonso Pedraza sealed the win late in the game. Atletico Madrid, currently fourth, face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Saturday’s derby victory was a testament to Barcelona’s depth and the impact of key substitutes, while Flick’s praise highlighted Garcia’s crucial role in securing a hard-fought win in a hostile environment.
