Dani Olmo made a formidable return from damage, scoring twice in his first begin as Barcelona triumphed over native rivals Espanyol 3-1 on Sunday, extending their result in 9 factors on the prime of La Liga.
Earlier, Atletico Madrid cruised to a 2-0 victory in opposition to Las Palmas, with coach Diego Simeone’s son, Giuliano, netting his first purpose for the membership.
With second-place Real Madrid sidelined because of the postponement of their match in opposition to Valencia brought on by devastating floods within the area, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona took full benefit, rising their lead over the reigning champions.
Raphinha added to the scoring between Olmo’s objectives, serving to Barcelona set up a commanding 3-0 lead by the thirty first minute on the Olympic Stadium.
Espanyol battled again within the second half, with Javi Puado pulling one again. However, they confronted frustration as three of their objectives have been disallowed in a hard-fought derby conflict.
“I’m not happy about the second half. We lost concentration and tension. In tennis, you say unforced errors, but it happens sometimes,” admitted Flick. “Today I accept that because we won, but for Wednesday (in Europe), we need another level.”
Barcelona has began life below Flick in sensational type. After beating Bayern Munich and Real Madrid final week, they cruised to victory in opposition to Manolo González’s aspect.
“I’m back, enjoying it, playing, winning, and I want more,” Olmo instructed DAZN after his first begin since mid-September.
Barça’s marquee summer season signing produced an electrical show within the first half.
“He knows how to score goals, and this was very important for us today,” Flick instructed reporters. “This is also why we won this match and secured these important three points.”
Teenage Spain star Lamine Yamal crafted his first purpose with a scrumptious go utilizing the skin of his boot, which Olmo dispatched with an explosive end.
Brazilian winger Raphinha lofted the second over goalkeeper Diego García when Marc Casado produced a high quality go that break up Espanyol’s protection.
Olmo added his second with a strong low drive, however after that, Barcelona confronted frustration as neighbors Espanyol, presently seventeenth, battled nicely.
After two Espanyol strikes have been dominated out for offside, Puado discovered the online however then had one other purpose disallowed because the ball had gone out of play.
Injured Barcelona winger Ferran Torres, from Foios within the Valencia area, wrote in a submit on Instagram that he didn’t have the energy to return to the stadium to look at the sport due to the affect of the floods which have killed greater than 210 folks.
“I totally understand that; it was normal,” stated Flick, who instructed on Saturday that the entire spherical of fixtures ought to have been postponed. “There are things that are more important than football. He chose that, and it’s normal.”
Simeone success
Atletico coach Diego Simeone had stated there was “no sense” in taking part in La Liga matches this weekend due to the floods, however his group secured a cushty victory.
Donations of meals and different helpful merchandise have been collected exterior the Metropolitano Stadium in help of these affected in jap Spain by the floods which have killed greater than 200 folks.
“I’m very happy for my first goal for Atletico, but we can’t ignore everything that’s happening in Valencia, all the victims there. I send my support and strength to them,” stated Giuliano Simeone.
The hosts took the lead after 37 minutes when Nahuel Molina’s lengthy ball discovered Simeone darting in behind the protection.
The striker, deployed on the proper wing by his father, burst into the field and swept the ball into the far nook.
“Giuliano I see as a football player,” stated Diego Simeone. “From the first moment that we decided he would stay with us (in the squad) this season, it was with the intention that he can help us.”
The coach defined that his son’s work charge was a key think about him beginning.
“He has a responsibility and not a name. I look at it that way. Those who run the most play, and those who don’t play less,” stated the Argentine.
Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis shared a 1-1 draw at San Mames.
Pablo Fornals, born in Castellón, which was affected by the floods, scored for Betis and spoke in tears on tv after the sport.
“Today was not a day to celebrate anything, neither football nor goals,” Fornals instructed DAZN.
Source: www.dailysabah.com