FC Barcelona added its fourth consecutive victory in LaLiga (sixth, including the Champions League) this Sunday against Espanyol (3-1) in Dani Olmo's return to the lineup. The one from Terrassa had not been a starter since September 15 against Girona, the day he injured his right thigh, and he returned to the starting lineup to be the 'MVP' of the Catalan derby.
The '20' returned to the role of left-footed midfielder/winger to accompany Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski in attack. In the 12th minute, the midfielder opened the scoring thanks to a notable assist from Lamine, who caught his break and filtered a perfect pass with the outside of his left boot for Dani to finish at will against Joan García.
With Barça up by two goals after Raphinha's goal in the 23rd minute, Olmo scored his double in the 31st minute, this time with a good mid-range shot from the edge of the area. After a quick culé recovery, the '20' took advantage of a pass from Balde to finish on goal, unmarked, with a left foot that deflected slightly off an opponent to finish beating García.
Dani Olmo, happy for his return despite the context of the derby
With his two goals against Espanyol, Dani reached 5 goals in the same number of appearances in LaLiga, in addition to winning his second 'MVP' of the season, after the one obtained in his debut against Rayo. The Catalan midfielder had just left a good impression in the Clásico (he played 25 minutes) and Hansi Flick did not hesitate to bet on him in the XI against the 'parakeets'.
After the game, the '20' culé valued being able to contribute to another Barça victory that confirms the team's great moment. "We are a team that has a lot of goals, both the forwards and the second line, we play directly and create many chances," explained Dani.
In that sense, he said he felt very good and wanted to help the team, although he had a reflective message due to the context of the game, after the tragedy caused by DANA. "Perhaps it should not have been played, but from here we will send all the encouragement and support to the people affected. At the club we are going to help what we can," said the culé midfielder.