Dani Olmo debuts as an assistant in LaLiga and aims for the XI against Benfica

FC Barcelona crushed Real Sociedad in Montjuïc (4-0) in a stellar afternoon for Dani Olmo. The player from Terrassa returned to the starting lineup in LaLiga seven matches later and was key for Hansi Flick's team to settle the match before the half-hour mark. The '20' added his first two assists in the tournament in the 24th and 29th minutes, allowing Gerard Martín and Marc Casadó to debut as scorers with Barça.

Previously, in the 17th minute, the attacking midfielder had caused the expulsion of Aritz Elustondo for a foul in the midfield. The San Sebastián defender was the last man, so the foul was indisputable. From there, Barça dominated the match, with Olmo guiding the team towards the opponent's goal. The assist to Gerard Martín was exquisite, with a delicate pass that allowed the full-back to finish first time against Remiro. The second assist was accidental after a shot that deflected off Casadó.

Dani had scored 6 goals in the 15 matches he had played in LaLiga, but had no assists. The Catalan had provided two assists in the thrashing against Betis in the Copa del Rey (5-1), setting up goals for Gavi (1-0) and Ferran Torres (4-0). The attacking midfielder also assisted Raphinha for the 0-1 lead in the Champions League against Dortmund (victory by 2-3). The Brazilian was, in fact, the only Barça player with two assists in LaLiga this season, both to Robert Lewandowski against Alavés (0-3).

Dani Olmo regains confidence just before the Champions League

Thus, Olmo has 7 goals and 5 assists in 24 matches (1,215 minutes) with Barça in his first season. Very good numbers, considering the various physical problems that prevented him from playing regularly in recent months. Now, the player from Terrassa seems to be taking the lead for a starting position ahead of the Champions League first leg against Benfica, next Wednesday in Lisbon (9:00 PM). Against Real Sociedad, Gavi was expected to start, but the Andalusian remained on the bench due to a feverish condition.

Hansi Flick has rotated the '6' alongside Dani and Fermín López as companions of the blue and garnet offensive trident, alternating good performances from each of the three Spanish internationals. Now, the balance seems to tilt in favor of the '20' ahead of the visit to a stadium where Barça suffered six weeks ago, in matchday 7 of the league phase (victory by 4-5). That day, Gavi was a starter and had a poor game (played 62 minutes and was booked), while Olmo was unavailable.