Barcelona Player Ratings: Olmo's Double Leads Win vs Espanyol
Barcelona secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Espanyol in the Catalan derby, thanks to a brace from Dani Olmo. Here's a look at the individual performances of the Barcelona players:
Dani Olmo (9/10):
The Spanish international was the star of the show, scoring both goals in a dominant display. Olmo's movement, passing, and finishing were exceptional, showcasing his complete skillset. His first goal, a precise finish after a clever run, and his second, a powerful strike from outside the box, were highlights of the match.
Pedri (8/10):
The young midfielder controlled the tempo of the game with his astute passing and intelligent movement. Pedri's influence in the midfield was undeniable, orchestrating attacks and winning back possession with ease.
Gavi (7.5/10):
Gavi continued his impressive form, providing energy and dynamism in the heart of midfield. He was constantly involved in the game, winning tackles and initiating attacks with his driving runs.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
Despite not finding the back of the net, Lewandowski remained a constant threat to the Espanyol defense. His movement and link-up play were pivotal, and he created opportunities for his teammates throughout the game.
Frenkie de Jong (6.5/10):
De Jong was solid in midfield, providing a strong defensive presence and distributing the ball effectively. His physicality was crucial in winning tackles and duels against Espanyol's midfielders.
Jules Koundé (6.5/10):
The French defender was a rock in the backline, showcasing his strength and composure in defending against Espanyol's attacks. His aerial ability and positional awareness were key to keeping a clean sheet in the first half.
Alejandro Balde (6/10):
Balde provided width and pace on the left flank, creating opportunities with his overlapping runs. However, his final ball and decision-making in the final third could have been better.
Sergi Roberto (6/10):
Roberto was a reliable presence in the right-back position, contributing defensively and providing support in attack. His experience and composure helped Barcelona maintain control of the game.
Ter Stegen (6/10):
Ter Stegen made a couple of crucial saves to deny Espanyol, although he was not tested as heavily as in previous matches. His presence and communication helped maintain a strong defensive structure.
Substitutes:
- Raphinha (7/10): The Brazilian injected pace and creativity into the attack after coming on, providing a key assist for Olmo's second goal.
- Ansu Fati (6.5/10): Fati showed glimpses of his potential with his pace and dribbling skills, creating chances for himself and his teammates.
- Eric Garcia (6/10): Garcia helped solidify the defense after coming on, adding stability and composure to the backline.
Overall:
Barcelona's victory over Espanyol was a crucial step towards securing their league title. The team's performance was impressive, with Dani Olmo's goals and Pedri's midfield mastery being the highlights of the game.