Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski scores their second purpose. Picture: REUTERS
BARCELONA:
Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski’s late strikes helped Barcelona snatch a 2-0 win at Espanyol on Saturday to maneuver seven factors clear on the high of La Liga.
The champions had been largely outplayed by their metropolis rivals and had goalkeeper Joan Garcia to thank for maintaining them afloat within the derby conflict towards his former facet earlier than Olmo curled house within the 86th minute.
Fermin Lopez created Olmo’s purpose earlier than laying the second on a plate for Lewandowski as Barca claimed a ninth consecutive league victory and ended Espanyol’s personal run of 5 wins in a row.
Manolo Gonzalez’s facet, fifth, deserved not less than some extent from a sometimes spiky battle on the RCDE Stadium, earlier than the late targets from two Barca substitutes.
Second-placed Actual Madrid host Actual Betis on Sunday.
Espanyol followers gave Garcia a very hostile reception, after he grew to become their first participant to depart for Barca in over 30 years in the summertime.
The hosts hung enormous security nets behind the targets to try to shield Barca’s stopper, who was whistled all through, from projectiles whereas followers waved banners with photos of rats at him.
Amid the ire, Garcia made two important first half interventions that despatched the groups in degree on the interval.
There have been few clear possibilities in a tense first half, with Barca’s assaults curtailed earlier than turning into harmful, and the very best openings falling to Espanyol.
Striker Roberto Fernandez obtained in behind Barca’s excessive line, one-on-one, however Garcia blocked his shot after which improvised brilliantly by shoving team-mate Gerard Martin into the best way of Pere Milla’s follow-up.
Then Garcia produced a shocking save to tip away Milla’s header which appeared destined for the again of his internet.
The goalkeeper’s wonderful performances final season helped Espanyol keep within the high flight however when the champions got here calling, he made the rarely-taken transfer throughout town.
Garcia’s alternative, Marko Dmitrovic made a effective save from Jules Kounde’s header early within the second half.
Barcelona’s goalkeeper was referred to as into motion once more as Fernandez burst by on purpose, with Garcia pushing the ball to security because the ahead tried to spherical him.
Kounde cleared off the road and Garcia tipped Fernandez’s near-post drive away as Espanyol continued to harry Hansi Flick’s facet.
Barcelona’s first clear likelihood got here within the seventieth minute, falling to Eric Garcia from point-blank vary, however Dmitrovic, at full stretch, made an astonishing save to maintain the scores degree.
Ultimately three of Flick’s substitutes mixed to settle the sport in Barca’s favour.
Lopez drove ahead and located Olmo, who whipped a shot into the highest proper nook to interrupt the impasse.
Then Lewandowski dinked house after one other effective Lopez cost into the world to finish Barca’s smash-and-grab success.
