FC Barcelona moved nine points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday with an emphatic 3-1 victory over city rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou. A dazzling first-half performance saw Dani Olmo score twice, while Raphinha added another, virtually securing the three points within the first 30 minutes.
The match began with intensity, as Barcelona quickly took control. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Olmo converted a stunning pass from 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who used the outside of his foot to deliver a perfect assist. Just ten minutes later, Raphinha doubled the lead, capitalizing on Marc Casado’s signature defense-splitting pass and deftly chipping the ball over Espanyol’s goalkeeper, Joan Garcia. Olmo struck again in the 30th minute, drilling a powerful low shot just inside the post, leaving Espanyol’s defense scrambling.
Barcelona eased their pace in the second half, allowing Espanyol to regain some footing. Javi Puado took advantage in the 63rd minute, scoring a consolation goal, but it was too little, too late to challenge Barcelona’s dominance.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid gained a much-needed confidence boost, defeating Las Palmas 2-0 at home. Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring in the 36th minute, giving his father, Diego Simeone, and Atletico fans something to cheer about. Alexander Sorloth later sealed the win with a goal in the 83rd minute. The game saw a lengthy stoppage after Las Palmas’ goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, was stretchered off following a collision with Atletico’s Nahuel Molina.
In a fiercely contested match, Athletic Club and Real Betis drew 1-1 at San Mamés. Athletic Club dominated the first half, striking the woodwork three times, yet struggled to convert. Betis took the lead against the run of play through Pablo Fornals’ goal, but Aitor Berenguer’s header salvaged a point for the hosts, who would have won if not for a series of spectacular saves by Betis’ goalkeeper Rui Silva.
Real Sociedad also emerged victorious, beating Sevilla 2-0 in a commanding display. Takefusa Kubo opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, while Mikel Oyarzabal doubled the lead from the penalty spot after a foul on Martin Zubimendi.
In other weekend action, Ante Budimir’s penalty gave Osasuna a 1-0 win over Valladolid, and Girona won a thrilling 4-3 contest against Leganes, with Cristhian Stuani’s penalty and an own goal proving decisive. On Friday, Alaves snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating Mallorca 1-0, thanks to Jon Guridi’s late strike.
Barcelona’s commanding victory and Atletico’s resurgence highlight an exciting La Liga race as teams battle for critical points heading into the winter stretch.
