Overview
- Former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia delivered multiple decisive saves to preserve a clean sheet and drew plaudits from Hansi Flick, who called him "one of the best goalkeepers in the world."
- Second-half substitute Fermin Lopez provided two late assists, setting up Dani Olmo about four minutes from time and Robert Lewandowski in stoppage time.
- Espanyol generated sustained pressure and several clear chances but lacked finishing, ending a five-match winning run despite a strong performance from Marko Dmitrovic.
- The match was charged by hostility toward Garcia, with jeers and rat posters in the stands, and a few plastic bottles were thrown after the second goal without major incident.
- Flick admitted Barcelona were outplayed for long stretches before the bench changed the game, while Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez lamented missed chances and emphasized that goals decide matches.