he FC Barcelona has defeated the RCD Spainl (3-1) in the Barcelona derby on the 12th day of LaLiga EA Sports, played this Sunday in Montjuic. So the leader has eleven wins in twelve days, an almost spotless record, and with great scoring efficiency, although it only took half the game to sort it out this time.
Dani Olmoon his return to possession, the main protagonist was a double and the captain Raphinha backed up his best start to the season. It was the captain of Espanyol, Javi Puado, who also did the honor for the ‘parakeets’. Before the beginning Aitana Bonmatí the fan offered his Ballon d’Or y Lamine Yamal a Kopa Trophy, present at the same gala. And a moment of silence was observed, as announced, for the victims of DANA in Valencia and Albacete.
Barça began to take a big lead, with two clear chances in less than 10 minutes in which they managed to accumulate 80% possession. Dani Olmowho was new in the eleven, he tried with a header from a pass from Lamine Yamal and then this one is a classic translation, at the hands of Joan Garcia.
The connection between the two after 12 minutes worked perfectly in the middle with the outside of the bottom of the Kopa Cup 2024, which Olmo finished first waiting for his score. Espanyol barely gave any hint of reaction, only an attempt at Vaseline Javi Puado before advance Iñaki Peñawhich went high and was also offside. The captain of the ‘perico’ tried again later with a volley a little closer to the post and in a legal position, but with the same luck.
Espanyol have suffered so far this season from having many offensive difficulties, with up to five games without a score. The complete opposite of Barça who seem to be married to the goal. And in terms of marriages, in the 23rd minute it seemed Marc Casadó to send a cross that Raphinha could not miss. Jofre was unable to waste it a minute later with a pass from the right from Omar El Hilali, but the Spaniard’s goal was upside down at the start of the game; The ’perico’ painting was not even lucky in that respect.
Because one minute into half an hour of the game, came the third Barça. From a possible 2-1 that could have added some suspense to the game, to the 3-0 that finished the third part of the way through. Dani Olmo took an unchallenged right hand from the start and it was his second of the evening (minute 31). The box of Hansi Flick He went to his appointment with statistics, with an average of three goals per game. More bad news for Espanyol to end it, the injury of Komboula shortly after, who was replaced by Sergi Gómez.
Three goals in 30 minutes and that’s it
It could be said that it was the end of the best story for Espanyol in the first half, because not even in the 50 minutes that lasted with the extension of time the teams were able to score. Manolo Gonzalezand instead Barça continued to look for a fourth.
At the restart we saw a blue and white team more concerned about not conceding a scandalous defeat than about making cuts. However, he had the first clear shot of the second half in a direct free kick that Tejero missed by a centimeter. Barca didn’t seem uncomfortable playing patiently either, as it was a very comfortable 3-0 in their favour. Flick took over, starting to bring in Olmo and Casadó Fermin Lopez and Frenkie de Jong.
Around the time, Espanyol celebrated again a goal, the work of the Irish League Weaver to pass Jofrebut he was upside down at the time of the cross that Kral sent him. It was a carbon copy of the one that was canceled in the first part. Two minutes later there was the captain Puado the best, in the right location, but Iñaki Peña He held up well in hand to hand combat. It was the best minutes for Bishop who tried to get back into the game. González seemed to believe in his possibilities and gave it a go Walid Cheddra and Justin Smith.
Espanyol believe it
Jofre learned his lesson and enabled goalkeeper Carlos Romero in the right position, so he could put it on. Javi Puado reaching the far post and, this time, beating Peña crossshot (minute 64). Some murmuring was heard in Montjuic, anxious to see the Catalans relax a little. Presently he tried it from the front Robert Lewandowski to calm Espanyol, but just like in the first half, he was stopped by García, who did the same a minute later with another from Lamine Yamal.
But you could say that Barça was suffering. Espanyol, who had already claimed a penalty before the first of the disallowed goals, called for another handball from Cubarsi in the second half. and saw third goal disallowed by Puadobecause Jofre assisted when the ball was already gone. All three were well canceled out, but it was a warning to the eternal rivals that they finished behind. There was no room of confidence.
Flick seemed to understand this, which gave him pause Jules Koundé originating to leave ownership to Hector Fortbut in the last third of the game he again used the French winger, who had been indispensable in the previous games. Furthermore, it was on that wing, on Espanyol’s left, where most of the visitor’s danger came through the boots of Jofre.
Manolo González responded and renewed both sides instead of one, with Olive on the left and only on the right. Near the end of the regulation time, they came out Gavi and Ansu Fatiis little by little getting minutes and even scored the second one, but it was disallowed for the outside. Barça let the clock run and conceded.
Barcelona vs Spain | La Liga
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Welcome to our special segment where we dive into the thrilling world of football. Today, I’m joined by Mr. Alex Ruiz, a renowned sports analyst and expert in LaLiga. Welcome, Alex!
Alex Ruiz: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the beautiful game, especially LaLiga.
Time.news Editor: Let’s jump right into it. FC Barcelona secured a commanding 3-1 victory against their city rivals RCD Espanyol in the recent derby. What stood out to you in this match?
Alex Ruiz: The first thing that jumps out is Barcelona’s incredible efficiency. They scored all three of their goals within the first 30 minutes. Dani Olmo’s performance, with two goals, was especially impressive. He clearly has a great understanding of the game, and his connection with Lamine Yamal was literarily explosive.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, Olmo’s first goal was a classic striker’s finish. How crucial was his contribution to Barcelona’s overall performance?
Alex Ruiz: Olmo was instrumental, no question about it. His movements and positioning allowed Barcelona to dominate possession. They controlled the game with over 80% early on—when you have that much control, you’re bound to create chances. He takes a lot of weight off the shoulders of other attacking players, allowing them to be more dangerous.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of attacking threats, Barcelona’s captain, Raphinha, also contributed with a goal. How vital is his consistent performance to the team?
Alex Ruiz: Raphinha’s role cannot be understated. He offers pace and creativity on the wing, which stretches opposing defenses. His ability to finish is crucial, as it adds another layer to Barcelona’s already potent attack. He’s been delivering consistently, which is essential for a team that aims to maintain its top spot in LaLiga.
Time.news Editor: On the other side, Espanyol has been struggling, suffering from offensive difficulties this season. What do you think needs to change for them to turn things around?
Alex Ruiz: Espanyol needs to focus on their attacking strategies. It’s evident they have struggled to find the net; five games without a score is concerning. They need to be more clinical in the final third, and perhaps rethink their formation to give their forwards more support. Javi Puado showed flashes of quality, but they need a reliable scoring threat to ease the pressure off him.
Time.news Editor: Puado did manage to score a consolation goal, which must have been a relief for the team. Do you think this will kickstart a turnaround for Espanyol?
Alex Ruiz: Scoring, even in a defeat, can build confidence. However, it’s essential that Espanyol capitalize on this and focus on their upcoming matches. They need to build momentum and find a rhythm to see them through the challenges ahead.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, let’s touch on the emotional aspect of the match. Before the game, there was a tribute to the victims of DANA in Valencia and Albacete. How important are these moments for the community and the players?
Alex Ruiz: These tributes are incredibly significant. Football brings people together, and moments of silence or remembrance allow both players and fans to reflect on what matters most beyond the game. It fosters a sense of community and shows solidarity, reminding everyone that there is a world outside of football, one that deserves compassion and remembrance.
Time.news Editor: Well said, Alex. Thank you for sharing your valuable insights on the match and LaLiga as a whole.
Alex Ruiz: Thank you for having me! Looking forward to more exciting matches and discussions.
Time.news Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more updates on the world of sports. Until next time!
