FC Barcelona left it late but ultimately secured a dramatic victory over RCD Espanyol in a fiercely contested city derby on Saturday night. The clash was one of the most intense local encounters in recent years and could have taken a very different direction were it not for an outstanding display from Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García against his former side.
After both teams wasted a remarkable number of chances, Barça finally broke the deadlock in the 86th minute when Dani Olmo bent a superb effort into the net. The win was sealed moments later as Robert Lewandowski struck four minutes on, with both goals coming from excellent build-up play by Fermin López.
The result moves Barcelona seven points clear at the top of the La Liga standings, depending on Real Madrid’s outcome against Real Betis on Sunday. It also provides the perfect boost ahead of the squad’s trip to Saudi Arabia, where they will compete for the season’s first trophy in the Spanish Super Cup.
