Dino Olmo's Brace Leads Barcelona to Victory over Espanyol in Derby Match

Raphinha scored in between Olmo's goals as Barcelona surged to a three-goal lead by the 31st minute at the Olympic stadium. Despite Javi Puado's goal for Espanyol in the second half, the visitors fiercely fought to avoid a heavy defeat in the derby, having three goals disallowed.

Barcelona have started life under Flick in sensational form and after beating Bayern Munich and Real Madrid last week, earned their 10th win in 11 La Liga matches with a devastating first-half display. "I feel good, I was really looking forward to returning, to be able help the team on the pitch," Olmo told DAZN after his first start since mid-September. "I'm back, enjoying it, playing, winning, and I want more."

Summer signing Olmo had made substitute appearances in Barcelona's last two games but given the chance to start, he produced an electric display in the first half. "We knew Espanyol would give everything but we got the three points, so it's objective complete," he added.

Former RB Leipzig playmaker Olmo headed over in the early stages and had a shot saved by Joan Garcia, who also denied teenage star Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old Spain international crafted the first goal with a delicious pass using the outside of his boot, which Olmo dispatched with an explosive finish.

Brazilian winger Raphinha lofted the second over Garcia when Marc Casado, who has established himself at the base of the midfield, produced a fine pass which split Espanyol's defence wide open.

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Jofre Carreras pulled one back for Espanyol but it was disallowed for offside in the build-up, as Barcelona's high defensive line continued to work to good effect. Olmo added his second with a powerful low drive from the edge of the box after Alejandro Balde teed him up.

Robert Lewandowski, La Liga's top goalscorer this season, could not get in on the action with Garcia saving his curling effort and Barcelona were frustrated in attack in the second half as neighbours Espanyol, 17th, battled well.

Alvaro Tejero had another goal disallowed for offside against Jofre, and Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena made a stunning save to deny Puado.

Eventually Puado found the net from Carlos Romero's cross and then had another goal ruled out himself as the ball had gone out of play before being crossed to him.

Ansu Fati also found the net for Barcelona in stoppage time but it too was disallowed for offside. "In the second half we corrected (mistakes), we had chances, we had a couple of goals ruled out, but if you don't have a perfect game it's very hard to win, and going 3-0 down it's hard to come back from," said Puado.

ATHLETICO GO PAST LAS PALMAS

Earlier Atletico Madrid eased to a 2-0 win over Las Palmas and moved third, with coach Diego Simeone's son Giuliano netting his first goal for the club. Coach Diego Simeone had said there was "no sense" in playing La Liga matches this weekend because of the floods, but his team secured a comfortable victory.

Donations of food and other useful products were collected outside the Metropolitano stadium in support of those affected in the east of Spain by the floods which have killed more than 200 people. 

Simeone's son Guiliano said, "I'm very happy for my first goal for Atletico but we can't ignore everything that's happening in Valencia, all the victims there. I send my support and strength to them."

The hosts took the lead after 37 minutes when Nahuel Molina's long ball found Simeone darting in behind the defence. The striker, deployed on the right wing by his father, burst into the box and swept the ball into the far corner.

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis shared a 1-1 draw at San Mames.

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