The RCDE Stadium hosted a high-stakes Catalan derby on Saturday night as Barcelona kicked off 2026 with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Espanyol.
In a match defined by defensive resilience and a hostile atmosphere, Hansi Flick’s side struggled to break down a well-organized home defense for the majority of the encounter.
The second half saw the introduction of Fermín López, which injected much-needed energy into the Blaugrana attack, shifting the tactical balance and allowing the league leaders to eventually overpower their local rivals in the final minutes.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 86th minute when Dani Olmo, returning to the squad with impact, unleashed a spectacular strike from distance that found the top corner.
Espanyol’s resistance crumbled shortly after, as Robert Lewandowski doubled the advantage in the 90th minute, capitalizing on a clinical pass from the tireless Fermín López.
The win ensures Barcelona maintains its gap at the top of the La Liga table, surviving a genuine scare in a match where both goalkeepers initially seemed unbeatable.
Barcelona Player Ratings
Joan García: 8
The former Espanyol man delivered a legendary performance under immense psychological pressure.
Returning to his old home to a chorus of boos, García stood tall with six saves from inside the area, including a breathtaking reflex stop in the first half and a vital 1v1 denial to keep the clean sheet intact.
Alejandro Balde: 7
A constant outlet on the left, Balde spent most of the night in the opposition half. While his final delivery was occasionally inconsistent, his recovery speed and ability to transition play quickly were fundamental in pinning Espanyol back and maintaining sustained pressure.
Gerard Martín: 7
Martín provided a disciplined and steady presence in the backline. He focused on positional integrity and even registered an unconventional “save” when he inadvertently blocked a goal-bound effort while recovering a ball alongside his goalkeeper.
Pau Cubarsí: 7
Exuding a calm that belied his age, Cubarsí was the primary architect of Barcelona’s build-up. He avoided reckless challenges and used his superior reading of the game to intercept dangerous passes, distributing the ball with his trademark precision throughout the match.
Jules Koundé: 7
Koundé balanced his defensive duties with frequent forays into the attacking third to support Lamine Yamal. Although his crossing lacked a clinical edge on the night, his defensive work-rate ensured that Espanyol’s wingers were rarely afforded any space to breathe.
Eric García: 7
Deployed in the pivot role once again, García was the heartbeat of the team’s circulation. He kept the ball moving efficiently and provided a vital defensive screen, breaking up several Espanyol counter-attacks before they could reach the final third.
Frenkie de Jong: 7
Tasked with leading the midfield in the absence of a starting Pedri, the Dutchman was safe and reliable in possession. While some might have called for more verticality in his passing, his control of the tempo was essential in wearing down the opposition’s resolve.
Lamine Yamal: 7
Clearly the most dangerous forward on the pitch, Yamal was a nightmare for the Espanyol full-backs. He was the only player to truly test the keeper in a frustrated first half and remained a creative force until the final whistle, constantly probing for an opening.
Raphinha: 6
Starting in a more central role, the Brazilian struggled to influence the game as much as usual in the first period. He looked far more comfortable once moved back to his natural wing position after the interval, though he was substituted before the late goals arrived.
Marcus Rashford: 6
Rashford worked hard to stretch the defense but struggled with his final touch. His lack of chemistry with the overlapping Balde occasionally led to congested spaces, causing several promising attacking sequences to fizzle out prematurely.
Ferran Torres: 6
It was a difficult night for the striker, who found himself isolated and starved of service. When the ball did reach him in tight areas, his link-up play lacked its usual sharpness, leading to his eventual withdrawal in favor of more dynamic options.
Fermín López: 7
The ultimate “game-changer” from the bench. Fermín’s energy was infectious, and his vision was rewarded with two crucial assists. He set up Olmo for the winner before a brilliant solo run and pass allowed Lewandowski to seal the result.
Dani Olmo: 7.5
Despite playing limited minutes, Olmo proved his world-class quality by deciding the derby. His stunning long-range “golazo” broke the deadlock when it seemed a draw was inevitable, proving exactly why he is so vital to Flick’s tactical plans.
Robert Lewandowski: 7
The veteran forward remained patient despite a quiet evening, eventually finding himself in the right place at the right time. He showed predatory instinct to bury his chance in the 90th minute, putting the game beyond doubt.