Staff Reporter.
LaLiga leaders Barcelona beat Espanyol 3-1 in the Catalan derby on Sunday thanks to a first-half double from Dani Olmo and a goal from Raphina.
The victory moved Barça nine points clear of Real Madrid, who did not play away at Valencia this weekend after their match was postponed due to the devastating floods in the region. Espanyol are 17th, a point above the relegation zone.
Barça dominated possession from the outset and Olmo was busy in the first half, scoring two sublime goals after finding space in and around the box, while Raphinha also scored to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break.
After VAR disallowed two Espanyol goals for offside, they finally beat the offside trap when Javi Puado scored to deny Barça another clean sheet.
Flick’s side have won 11 of their 12 league games under the German and, since their sole loss at Osasuna at the end of September, have won six in a row in all competitions, scoring 24 goals in the process.
They visit Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on Wednesday and will look to maintain this wonderful run of form.
Earlier on Sunday, third-placed Atletico Madrid beat Las Palmas to move to within a point of Real in the table.