Barcelona 3-1 Espanyol: Blaugrana Player Ratings as they ease to win in Catalan derby | La Liga 2024-25

A strong first-half performance carried Barcelona as they beat rivals Espanyol 3-1 in La Liga to further their grip on the top spot on Sunday, October 3.

Following their massive 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico last week, Hansi Flick opted to make two changes. Hector Fort came in for Jules Kounde, while summer signing Dani Olmo replaced Fermin Lopez in midfield.

An electric start from the hosts saw them take the lead in the 12th minute. Yamal lifted the ball into the box from the right with an impressive trivela and it was finished off by Olmo to hand them the lead.

Barcelona piled on the pressure and doubled their tally in the 23rd minute through Raphinha. A searching ball from Marc Casado found the Brazilian whose perfect timing enabled him to nudge the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Eight minutes later, Olmo doubled his tally with a great finish after being set up by Alejandro Balde, effectively finishing off their opponents inside the first 30 minutes.

In the second half, the visitors, who already had two goals disallowed, pulled one back after 63 minutes. Javi Puado slotted home from close range at the back post to make it 3-1.

Barcelona eased past the rest of the fixture, collecting their 11th win from 12 La Liga games this season. They are now nine points clear of Real Madrid having played a game more. Here are the player ratings:

Barcelona Player Ratings

Inaki Pena - 6.5/10

Pena continues to gain confidence, putting in a solid display in relief of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. He couldn't do much about the goal and made two saves overall.

Hector Fort - 6.5/10

A solid outing from the young defender, contributing both on and off the ball. He played the right flank well, creating two chances and completing two crosses.

Pau Cubarsi - 6.5/10

Cubarsi made an important block in the first half and was a solid presence at the back for most of the game.

Inigo Martinez - 6/10

Barcelona's veteran at the back had a decent game but seemed to struggle at times with the high defensive line employed by Flick.

Alejandro Balde - 7/10

Balde collected another assist, adding to the one he got against Real Madrid. He could have done better in preventing Espanyol's goal but was lively overall.

Marc Casado - 7/10

An impressive hour-long performance from another of La Masia's star prospects as Casado was strong in the midfield battle. He finished with an assist, two blocks, four duels won and one tackle.

Pedri - 6.5/10

An energetic performance from Pedri going up and down the pitch and combining well with Yamal down Barcelona's right flank.

Lamine Yamal - 7.5/10

Yamal was a constant threat down the right flank, troubling Espanyol's left-back regularly. He collected an assist with a beautiful pass and stamped his authority on the game.

Dani Olmo - 8/10

The summer signing had a strong first half, collecting two goals. Both showed his finishing ability and he was heavily involved throughout his hour-long outing.

Raphinha - 7.5/10

Raphinha continued his renaissance under Hansi Flick, adding to his goal tally. Now with seven goals and six assists in 12 league games, he has become a key presence for the German in attack.

Robert Lewandowski - 6/10

An unusually silent day for the Poland international who did not get on the scoresheet but worked hard to combine with his teammates.

Substitutes

Frenkie de Jong - 6/10

He struggled to match Casado's physicality in midfield after replacing the teenager for the last half-hour.

Fermin Lopez - 6/10

Solid replacing Olmo as Barcelona saw the game out comfortably.

Jules Kounde - 6/10

Replaced Fort for the last 15 minutes and defended well.

Gavi and Ansu Fati - N/A

The pair came on late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.