Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points following a dramatic 2-0 victory over local rivals Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.
In a tense encounter that appeared destined for a goalless draw, Hansi Flick’s tactical substitutions proved decisive as Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski struck in the final minutes to break the deadlock. The win puts significant pressure on second-placed Real Madrid, who must now win their game in hand against Real Betis to keep pace with the league leaders.
For much of the match, Barcelona struggled to find a way past a disciplined Espanyol defense and their former goalkeeper, Joan Garcia. The 24-year-old shot-stopper, who moved to Barcelona last summer, returned to haunt his old club with a series of vital saves that kept the visitors at bay. At the other end, Espanyol started brightly, with Tyrhys Dolan nearly opening the scoring in the fourth minute, but the hosts eventually faded under the sustained pressure of the Blaugrana.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute when Fermín López, also introduced from the bench, found space to set up Dani Olmo. The midfielder showed exquisite technique to curl a strike into the top corner, leaving Marko Dmitrovic with no chance. Just four minutes later, López turned provider again, driving down the right flank before picking out Robert Lewandowski, who finished clinically from close range to secure the points.
This late surge further solidified Barcelona’s reputation as the league’s most dangerous side in the closing stages of matches, having now scored 12 goals in the final fifteen minutes of games this season.
