Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points with a 3-1 victory over Espanyol on Sunday. Dani Olmo scored twice on his return from injury, while Raphinha added another goal. Espanyol's Javi Puado managed to score in the second half, but his team's other efforts were disallowed.
Olmo, making his first start since mid-September, expressed his joy, saying, "I'm back, enjoying it, playing, winning, and I want more." Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged Olmo's contribution, stating, "He knows how to score goals, this was very important for us today."
The match began with teenage Spain star Lamine Yamal assisting Olmo’s first goal with a precise pass. Raphinha then netted the second goal after a pass from Marc Casado. Olmo secured his double with a low drive.
Flick admitted dissatisfaction with the team's second-half performance, noting, "We lost concentration, lost tension, in tennis you say unforced errors, but it happens sometimes. Today I accept that because we won, but for Wednesday (in Europe) we need another level."
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid moved up to third place with a 2-0 win over Las Palmas. Giuliano Simeone, son of Atletico coach Diego Simeone, scored his first goal for the club. The coach emphasized his son's work rate, saying, "He has a responsibility and not a name, I look at it that way... those who run most, play, and those who don't, play less."
