Dani Olmo scored two incredible goals for Barcelona on Sunday, his first start since returning from an injury, as they beat their local rivals Espanyol 3-1.
Barça presently move to nine points clear at the top of La Liga.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who were in second place, did not play because their game at Valencia because of the devastating floods in the area.
At the Olympic Stadium, Barcelona took a three-goal lead in the 31st minute thanks to Raphinha’s goal in between Olmo’s goals.
After the visitors scored three goals that were disallowed, Javi Puado was substituted for Espanyol in the second half.
After a week of victories over Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Barcelona has been in great form. A devastating first half earned them their 10th win in 11 La Liga games.
“I feel good, I was really looking forward to returning, to be able help the team on the pitch. I’m back, enjoying it, playing, winning, and I want more”, Olmo said after his first start since mid-September.
Olmo had appeared as a substitute in Barcelona’s previous two games.
Olmo, a former playmaker for RB Leipzig, headed over in the early going and had a shot saved by Joan Garcia, who also stopped young star Lamine Yamal.
Olmo scored the first goal with an explosive finish after the 17-year-old Spain international played a beautiful pass with the outside of his boot.
When Marc Casado, who has established himself at the base of the midfield, produced a fine pass that split Espanyol’s defense wide open, the Brazilian winger Raphinha lofted the second goal over Garcia.
Espanyol’s Jofre Carreras scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside in the buildup as Barcelona’s high defensive line continued to work well.
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After Alejandro Balde set Olmo up, he scored with a powerful low drive from the edge of the box.
Robert Lewandowski, La Liga’s top goalscorer this season, couldn’t 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.
Another goal scored by Alvaro Tejero against Jofre was disallowed due to offside, and Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena made a stunning save to deny Puado.
From Carlos Romero’s cross, Puado eventually scored, but he also missed a second goal because the ball was out of play before reaching him.
In extra time, Barcelona’s Ansu Fati also scored, but it was disallowed for offside.
