Espanyol Vs Barcelona: Player Ratings & Olmo's Brace

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Post on Nov 04, 2024

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Espanyol vs Barcelona: Player Ratings & Olmo's Brace

The Catalan derby lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling 2-1 victory for Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium. Dani Olmo was the hero, scoring a brace to secure the win and keep Barcelona's title hopes alive.

Here's a breakdown of the key moments and player performances from the match:

First Half: A Tight Encounter

The first half was a tight affair with both teams battling for control. Espanyol, buoyed by their home support, started brightly, pressing high and forcing Barcelona into errors. However, Barcelona gradually gained a foothold in the game and began creating chances through the skillful Pedri and the dynamic Raphinha.

Second Half: Olmo Takes Charge

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum, with Barcelona taking the lead in the 59th minute. Olmo received a brilliant pass from Pedri and calmly slotted the ball past the helpless Diego López.

Espanyol responded with renewed vigor, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. However, Barcelona's defense stood firm, and Olmo struck again in the 79th minute, curling a sublime free-kick into the top corner.

A Late Fightback

Espanyol wasn't done yet. A deflected shot from Joselu in the 89th minute found its way past Ter Stegen, reducing the deficit and creating a tense final few minutes.

Despite a late surge, Espanyol couldn't find an equalizer, and Barcelona held on for a vital victory.

Player Ratings:

Barcelona:

• Ter Stegen (7): Made a couple of important saves and commanded his box effectively.
• Koundé (7.5): Solid defensively and provided a threat going forward.
• Araujo (7): Won numerous aerial duels and kept Espanyol's strikers at bay.
• Balde (6.5): Energetic and offered good support down the left flank.
• Pedri (8): Orchestrated Barcelona's attacks with his pinpoint passing and intelligent movement.
• Gavi (7): A tireless worker who provided crucial defensive cover and incisive passes.
• De Jong (6.5): Contributed defensively and offered good distribution.
• Raphinha (7): Always a threat with his pace and dribbling skills, creating several dangerous chances.
• Lewandowski (6): Worked hard but lacked his usual clinical touch in front of goal.
• Fati (6.5): Made a positive impact after coming on as a substitute.
• Olmo (9): Scored two fantastic goals, showcasing his incredible talent and proving to be the difference-maker.

Espanyol:

• Diego López (6): Made a couple of crucial saves but couldn't prevent Olmo's strikes.
• Gil (6): Solid defensively but offered little going forward.
• Cabrera (6.5): Battled hard and made some important interceptions.
• Oliván (6): Worked tirelessly on the left flank but struggled to contain Raphinha.
• Calero (6): Decent defensively but didn't offer much in attack.
• Exposito (6): Covered a lot of ground and attempted to break through Barcelona's midfield.
• Darder (7): Espanyol's best player, dictating the tempo and creating chances for his team.
• Puado (6): A constant threat in the final third but lacked a cutting edge.
• Braithwaite (6): Worked hard but couldn't get into the game.
• Joselu (7): Scored a vital goal and led the line with determination.
• Suárez (6.5): Added a new dimension to Espanyol's attack after coming on as a substitute.

Key Takeaways:

• Olmo's class shines: The Spanish winger proved his importance to Barcelona with two superb goals, showcasing his talent and ability to make a difference.
• Barcelona's defensive resilience: Despite conceding late, Barcelona's defense held firm, showcasing their strength and organization.
• Espanyol's fighting spirit: Despite the loss, Espanyol showed fight and determination, demonstrating their commitment to staying in La Liga.

This victory is a significant boost for Barcelona as they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title. However, their journey is far from over, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining their ultimate success.