Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol: 5 Talking Points

#2 Lenglet and Pique quietly brilliant again, keeping Umtiti out

Why change a winning formula? Lenglet and Pique were solid as usual at the back for Barcelona, with Umtiti watching on

Plenty has been said about Samuel Umtiti and his repeated absence from Barcelona's backline in recent weeks. After all, the 25-year-old has recovered from a long-term knee injury and been fit for the substitutes' bench since their goalless draw against former side Lyon on February 19.

However, since then, he's only made two league starts and featured for France in both their international fixtures this past week. With the form of his compatriot Clement Lenglet and an experienced figure in Gerard Pique beside him, it's difficult for Valverde to just drop either player because of Umtiti's return - despite the dependable presence he is at the back.

This display in particular from both players proves why it's proving more difficult for Umtiti to quickly earn his starting berth again. Lenglet was quietly excellent, breaking up play whenever Espanyol threatened and made a number of important defensive interventions to relieve pressure on his teammates in transition.

As for Pique, he was typically cool and composed in possession - even under pressure from opponents. The pair combined for four tackles, two interceptions, seven clearances and one blocked shot between them and kept the visitors to half-chances, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen with little to do throughout. Why would you change a winning formula right now?