Three takeaways from Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol | La Liga MD31
Three takeaways from Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol | La Liga MD31 Two goals from Ferran Torres, a Lamine Yamal goal and masterclass and a neat Marcus Rashford finish helped Barcelona put four past Espanyol last night in the Catalan derby. Hansi Flick surprised the world with a strong lineup on the night, making it clear that he sees no excuse to lose any game at this point in the season, and thus even put the reverse fixture against Atletico Madrid out of the picture with his selection. In the end, it proved to be decisive as Barcelona held on to a 2-1 lead until late in the game when two quick-fire strikes helped build the gap and solidify the result.
With Real Madrid dropping points against Girona, the result is monumental for the title race. Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 4-1 Espanyol. Nine points clear The Catalan derby was always going to be an important game for Barcelona’s season, not only in terms of the historical significance but also the fact that Real Madrid dropped points earlier in the match day.
Handed a chance to go two further points up by their arch-rivals, Barcelona needed a win on Saturday to ensure they capitalise and they dished out a performance that secured just that. With a 4-1 win on the night, the Catalans extended their dominance in the league standings further and are now on 79 points after 31 games. With Real Madrid sitting on 70 with as many games played, Barcelona have a clear nine-point lead with eight games to go.
Barcelona in a prime spot to secure the league title. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) At this point in the season, such a massive lead is worth its weight in gold and virtually wraps up the league title in their favour, although it is never really over until it is in football. If Barcelona continue to win their games, they can wrap up the league title against Real Madrid in El Clasico in what would be a monumental moment.
Yet, Flick and Co. will take it one step at a time and celebrate the nine-point lead for the time-being. The rest vs continuity debate Hansi Flick and Diego Simeone both headed into the current match-day knowing full well that the Champions League game midweek is where the priority lies.
Continue to the original source for the full article.