FC Barcelona began 2026 with a great victory against Espanyol in Cornellà (0-2) in a match where Hansi Flick's team took 86 minutes to break the deadlock. The Blaugrana side struggled for long periods in the Catalan derby, but a spectacular goal from Dani Olmo paved the way for Barça's ninth consecutive victory in LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26

A quick break from Barça, masterfully orchestrated by **Fermín López**, led to a pass from the Huelva native to Olmo. The '20' received the ball with his back to goal on the left and, with time and space, unleashed a well-placed right-footed shot, straight into the top corner, leaving **Marko Dmitrovic** with no chance

Flick's Changes Solved the Derby for Barça

The goal froze Espanyol's aspirations of at least salvaging a draw in a derby that caused Barça a lot of trouble. Towards the end, Robert Lewandowski sealed the match with another goal in the 89th minute, also assisted by Fermín in a play that began with a ball recovered by Pedri González.

In that sense, the winning goals came from the bench for Hansi Flick's side. **López came on for Marcus Rashford** at halftime. **Olmo, Pedri and Lewandowski** came on in the 64th minute for **Raphinha, Gerard Martín and Ferran Torres**, respectively.

In Dani's case, he came on to play as a left winger, while Fermín did the 'dirty work' in the middle. Espanyol paid dearly for the fatigue and lack of depth on the bench. Flick understood that the Terrassa native, like Pedri, was not fit to play more than half an hour.

However, **the team lacked fluidity and depth during the first 60 minutes** to hurt a well-positioned Espanyol at the back and very cohesive in midfield pressure to provoke errors in possession and transition from the Barça side.

Fifth goal of the season for Olmo

In the end, both contributed what was necessary to resolve a match that reached the final stretch tied goalless thanks to the saves of Joan García (6). The '20', during the 26 minutes he was on the field, took two shots on goal, one of them deflected for a corner by Dmitrovic.

In addition, **he completed 13 passes (100%) and created one goal-scoring opportunity**. The 27-year-old midfielder, before injuring his shoulder on December 2nd, had scored against Alavés (a brace) and Atlético, the latter a match where he also drew a penalty

Beyond his physical problems, Dani Olmo has already scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists in 18 appearances (9 as a starter) this season. His return represents a key 'reinforcement' for a month where the Catalans must define the first title of the 25/26 season (the Spanish Super Cup).

Dani Olmo, happy to reappear with a goal this year

After the victory against Espanyol, the Terrassa native assessed the result in a difficult stadium and against a complicated opponent. "We knew they were going to make things difficult for us. They played a great game, but so did we, and we were more accurate. Now, on to the Super Cup," the Spanish international commented to 'Movistar+'.

Regarding his physical condition, he added: "I'm fine. This last injury was more of an accidental mishap. I'm trying to move forward with strength and mentality... We have to be switched on, those who start and those who come off the bench. That's what it's all about, we're a team," he pointed out