Barcelona Player Ratings: Olmo Scores Twice vs Espanyol
Barcelona secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over city rivals Espanyol in the Catalan derby, with Dani Olmo leading the way with a brace. The victory sees Xavi Hernandez's side maintain their pursuit of league leaders Real Madrid, who themselves won earlier in the day. Let's take a look at how the Barcelona players performed on the night:
Star Performers:
Dani Olmo (9/10): The Spanish international was a constant threat throughout the match. His pace, dribbling, and finishing were all on point, with two goals and an assist to his name. His first goal was a stunning volley from the edge of the box, while his second was a well-taken penalty. Olmo's performance was a masterclass in attacking play, showcasing his immense talent.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10): Despite not finding the back of the net, Lewandowski was a menace in the Espanyol box. His movement was excellent, he was a constant target for his teammates, and he played a key role in setting up Olmo's second goal. He continues to be a crucial part of Barcelona's attacking threat.
Pedri (7.5/10): The young midfielder was influential in the heart of the midfield. He controlled the tempo of the game, linking play expertly between defense and attack. His passing was precise and he covered a lot of ground, consistently providing support for his teammates.
Solid Performances:
Gavi (7/10): The young midfielder was a constant threat down the left flank. He provided dangerous crosses, drew fouls, and played with a lot of energy. He was particularly effective in the first half, creating several chances for his teammates.
Ronald Araújo (7/10): The Uruguayan defender was once again a rock in the heart of Barcelona's defense. He was strong in the air, won his tackles, and was a constant source of composure in the backline. His presence was a major factor in Barcelona's clean sheet.
The Rest:
Ter Stegen (6.5/10): The German goalkeeper had little to do in the match, but he was alert when called upon. He made a couple of important saves in the first half, particularly denying Joselu from close range.
Koundé (6.5/10): The French defender had a solid performance. He was strong defensively, winning his tackles and being dominant in the air. He also contributed to the attack with a couple of forward runs.
Frenkie de Jong (6.5/10): De Jong was a steady presence in midfield. He wasn't as influential as Pedri, but he covered a lot of ground and provided a good base for the team.
Balde (6.5/10): The young left-back was defensively sound and created a good opportunity for Olmo with his accurate cross. He had some moments of brilliance but needs to be more consistent.
Sergi Roberto (6/10): The Spaniard was a late substitute, replacing a tiring Pedri. He provided some good energy but didn't have enough time to impact the game.
Overall:
This was a convincing win for Barcelona, with Olmo taking center stage. The team's performance was impressive, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Their pursuit of La Liga glory continues with this important victory against their city rivals.