Week 10 of the 2024/25 season saw the Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona at RCDE Stadium on Thursday night, a matchup that was important for both teams.
Barcelona secured their 2024/25 La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol, completing a historic domestic treble under Hansi Flick.
A very strong lineup from Hansi Flick, who rested Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde, and Inigo Martinez was missing due to suspension.
The first half saw Espanyol outplay Barcelona and create more opportunities, but then fortunes changed in the second half.
Near the hour mark Lamine Yamal scored an absolutely beautiful goal to give Barcelona the lead and control of the game afterwards, winning the championship with a 2-0 victory.
Wojciech Szczesny: 8
Looking sharp, the Polish stopper’s one-on-one save in the first half and his scoop of Espanyol’s attempt with a tremendous back-off-the-line dash, clearly demonstrated his capabilities.
The second half featured Szczesny sweeping boldly from the goal posts, revealing growing confidence.
Gerard Martin: 7
Defensively, Martin held steady in the first half, but offered little to encourage attack. He was substituted at half-time for Alejandro Balde, to inject speed and dynamism into Barcelona’s counter tactics.
Andreas Christensen: 8.5
Returning fresh from injury and decreased game time, the Dane looked composed, safe and making smart decisions of his own will, especially to avoid making a last-man challenge, and was sound in distribution in Flick’s system.
Ronald Araujo: 7
Less convincing than Christensen, the Uraguayan defender was still robust but struggled with Espanyol’s counters, his pace became the test as he strangely reacted late in several instances to breaches on the defenders, including the case of Lange in the first half.
Eric Garcia: 8
Occupying the right back position, Garcia thrived. He was firm in attack, but dressed his attacking forays in defence. He made a lovely partnership with Yamal on the flank, his most impressive play in the 60th when he blocked Espanyol’s clear chance.
Pedri: 9
In the first half, Pedri clearly navigated Espanyol’s pressing while maintaining the ball and driving attacking transitions. The way he broke lines and had vision helped against a team that was tightly disciplined.
Frenkie de Jong: 8
The Dutch midfielder looked to be in great form but struggled against Espanyol’s pressing. He held the ball up well but occasionally lost possession and had difficulty breaking up the counter-attacks from the hosts.
Dani Olmo: 6.5
Olmo’s peformance was very underwhelming. He lacked spark and simply not at his best. He was sloppy in tight spaces and didn’t influence the final third, though he linking play with Yamal briefly in moments.
Lamine Yamal: 9
Inactive in the first half due to Espanyol’s tight marking, Yamal erupted in the second half. With a spectacular strike from range into the top corner, he gave Barcelona the lead and demonstrated his ability to change a game.
Raphinha: 7.5
The Brazilian struggled to find a way to cause danger in the first half and misplaced passes, but remained important with a willingness to directly attack.
Robert Lewandowski: 7
After returning to the lineup, the Polish striker came close to scoring in the first half. He was closely marked by Espanyol’s defence, but he managed to stay alert and create danger, despite limited service.
Fermin Lopez: 7.5 Brought on late, Lopez sealed the win with a brilliant strike and ensured his goal counted this time unlike his disallowed goal in El Clasico.
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