Olmo’s stroke of genius saves Barca
Hansi Flick’s team narrowly avoided falling behind multiple times – and finally overcame Espanyol late in the game.
FC Barcelona continued its winning streak to start the new year with a fluttering derby victory. In the city duel against strong rival Espanyol Barcelona, coach Hansi Flick’s team won 2-0 (0-0) thanks to his substitutes. The Catalans extended their lead at the top of the Spanish La Liga table to seven points, at least for now, with their ninth consecutive win.
Substitutes Dani Olmo (87th) and Robert Lewandowski (90th) saved Barcelona with a late double strike. Olmo’s goal was fantastic. He curled the ball gracefully from about 16 meters perfectly into the top corner. Before that, Flick’s eleven had to thank goalkeeper Joan García: with strong saves, the keeper prevented a deficit several times. Probably for this reason, Flick embraced García tightly after the final whistle.
Olmo (right) broke the spell against Espanyol
Flick has been unbeaten in the league with Barcelona since the Clásico defeat against Real Madrid (1-2) at the end of October. However, the Madrilenians can keep pace on Sunday (4:15 PM / DAZN) with a win against Betis Sevilla.