The city derby between Barcelona and Espanyol had glorious episodes when the Periquitos managed to steal a point from the favourites. However, this season, not even stronger sides could stop Barca, let alone the team fighting the relegation battle. Espanyol gave it a shot and avoided complete destruction, but it were still easily defeated – 3-1.5 – Barcelona are the only team with four different players to have scored at least five goals in Europe’s top five leagues this season: Robert Lewandowski (14), Raphinha Dias (7), Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo (5). Overwhelming. pic.twitter.com/hd8vMqHxoc— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 3, 2024 Hansi Flick’s team is dangerous when in possession but even more when not! Barca’s pressing doesn’t let the rivals breathe, and once the Catalans steal the ball, they are ready to punish the opponents. Behind that playing style, Barcelona netted thrice in only 19 minutes!Dani Olmo scored two out of the three goals. The first one in the 12th minute after Lamine Yamal’s outstanding trivela assist, and the second (Barca’s third) nineteen minutes later after a powerful long-distance effort. In the meantime, Raphinha netted only to confirm his recent outstanding form, using Marc Casado’s terrific assist.The only thing Espanyol managed to do was to score in the 63rd minute for 3-1 over Javi Puado. Truth be told, the visitors’ two goals were disallowed due to offsides, but it was nowhere near a bit of bad luck – it was Barca. After all, Real Madrid suffered so much because of those “infamous” offside traps in which Espanyol’s players were caught “only” six times today.Morning workout, then off to school… except when I’m playing the Champions LeagueThe Catalans can now calmly prepare for the upcoming Champions League clash against Red Star in Belgrade, while Espanyol can turn to the following challenges and some opponents against which winning points seems more likely. Today, they did not stand a chance.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 12 Friday Alaves – Mallorca 1-0 (0-0)/Guridi 76/Saturday Osasuna – Valladolid 1-0 (1-0)/Budimir 19 pen/Girona – Leganes 4-3 (2-2)/Gutierrez 21, Martinez 31, Stuani 62 pen, Gonzalez 73 – Tapia 24, Cruz 41, Haddadi 77/Sunday Atl.Madrid – Las Palmas 2-0 (1-0)/Simeone 37, Sorloth 84/Barcelona – Espanyol 3-1 (3-0)/Olmo 12, 31, Raphinha 23 – Puado 63/Sevilla – Sociedad 0-0 IN PROGRESS23.00: (1.90) Ath.Bilbao (3.45) Betis (4.20)Monday 23.00: (2.05) Celta (3.35) Getafe (4.10)***odds are subject to change***
