Sat Jan 03 19:10:00 UTC 2026: ## Barcelona Clinches Derby Victory Over Espanyol with Late Goals
Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over local rivals Espanyol in a heated derby match on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of LaLiga. The victory came courtesy of late goals from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, breaking a tense deadlock that saw both goalkeepers shine.
Olmo opened the scoring in the 86th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, assisted by Fermín López. Just moments later, López turned provider again, delivering a pinpoint cross for Lewandowski to tap in from close range in the 90th minute, sealing the win for the Blaugrana.
Prior to the late goals, the match was defined by stellar goalkeeping performances. Barcelona’s Joan García, a former Espanyol player, endured a hostile reception from the home crowd, facing jeers and banners labeling him a “rat.” Despite the pressure, García made crucial saves in the first half, denying Roberto Fernández and Pere Milla to keep the score level. Espanyol’s Marko Dmitrovic also impressed, notably denying Eric García in the 71st minute, before eventually succumbing to Barcelona’s late surge.
This victory provisionally extends Barcelona’s lead in LaLiga to seven points, with 49 points compared to Real Madrid’s 42, before they host Real Betis on Sunday. The defeat is a bitter blow for Espanyol, who currently sit 5th in the table and were riding a five-match winning streak. Beyond the emotional sting of losing the derby, Espanyol will lament the missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the match.
First Piper 