Espanyol 0–2 Barcelona Player Ratings: Lamine Yamal & Fermin Crowns Barcelona as La Liga Champions

Barcelona are La Liga champions after a 2-0 win over their local rivals Espanyol, giving them an unassailable 7-point lead with 2 games left to play. Goals from Yamal and Fermin meant that Hansi Flick won the La Liga in his first season as Barca's head coach.

With Barca needing only a solitary win in the next three games, they could afford to take the game a bit slower. But the hosts did not have any such desire. They sprang on Barcelona right from the off and dominated the early stages of the contest.

Barcelona may be a strong defensive side, but the very high line that they play under Flick means that they do give up chances to their opponents. Tonight was also no different as Espanyol were presented with two really good opportunities. First, Urko Gonzales raced clear only to drag his shot wide. That was followed by a much clearer chance that saw Puado through on goal but his shot was saved by Barca keeper Szczęsny.

Barca were strangled for a vast portion of the game, with Espanyol's low block causing troubles for the side to unlock their defense. The visitors did have one chance, where Lewandowski had a pop, but the shot was wide off target. For a team that scored 95 goals in the season, they seemed limp and listless as they only registered a 0.39 xG in the first half.

There was a pause in the game early on that saw an Espanyol fan being ushered out by the stewards for an unspecified reason.

Barca began the second half with more impetus and energy that took Espanyol aback. The Barca pressure paid off as they took the lead in breathtaking fashion. Olmo fed Yamal down the right, who then took a couple of touches, cut inside, and unleashed an absolute rocket of a shot into the far corner that gave absolutely zero chance to the keeper.

There was also time for a red card as well, with Cabrera aiming a punch at Yamal. While it was initially not given as a foul, the decision was changed after a VAR check and the defender was given his marching orders.

Fermin Lopez eventually put the game and the result beyond doubt as he made no mistake from close range following some good work from Yamal. Eventually, the final whistle was blown, and Barcelona were finally champions again.

Here are the Espanyol vs Barcelona player ratings.

Espanyol Player Ratings vs Barcelona

GK- Joan Garcia- 5.5/10

The goalkeeper showed why he has been highly-rated this season. Was pin-point in his distribution and command of the box. However, did not have much to do as far as making a save was concerned.

RB- Omar El Hilali- 5.5/10

Made a couple of bombing runs down the right side. Had 2 successful long balls and an accurate cross. Was resolute in defense as well.

RCB- Marash Kumbulla- 5/10

Thwarted the danger posed by Lewandowski well along with his defensive partner. His passes led to a couple of fast-break opportunities as well.

LCB- Leandro Cabrera- 4.5/10

Was doing well up until the goal. Gave away a little too much space for Yamal to take the shot. Was sent off for a punch on Yamal.

LB- Carlos Romero- 5/10

The full-back was one of the better players for his side. Had a good time down the left-hand side, with his pass sending Puado through on goal in the first half.

CDM- Pol Lozano- 5/10

Was very iffy with his passing, but successful in doing the dirty work. Broke up play effectively and efficiently. Subbed at the hour mark.

CDM- Urko Gonzales- 5/10

Had the game's first chance and should have at least kept his effort on target, but was unable to. Was robust in making things tough for the Barca midfield duo.

RW- Antoniu Roca-5/10

The winger had one of his poorer games today. Was not in sync at all and was just not in the zone tonight.

CAM- Edu Exposito- 5/10

Arguably the hosts' best player on the pitch. Was there everywhere for his side. He was a key figure in both the big chances that were created by them.

LW- Javi Puado- 4/10

The skipper was comfortably the poorest player on the pitch. Just could not pick himself up after seeing his shot saved by Szczęsny in the first half. Completely lost and aloof performance.

ST- Roberto Fernandez- 4.5/10

Tried gamely to hold up play and be an off-ball outlet. Was barely a presence in the box.

Sub- Pere Milla- 5/10

Did well after coming on. A couple of good long balls and good in possession as well.

Sub- Jofre Carreras- N/A

A late sub. Did not have much of an impact.

Sub- Fernando Calero- N/A

A late sub. Did not have much of an impact.

Sub- Walid Cheddira- N/A

A late sub. Did not have much of an impact.

Manager- Manolo Gonzalez- 5/10

Will count himself unlucky to not get a result out of this game. His side competed well for much of the game but not much can be down after going behind to a wonder strike and then also being reduced to 10 men.

Barcelona Player Ratings vs Espanyol

GK- Wojciech Szczęsny- 6/10

A great save in the first half to keep the score goalless. Had precious little to do after that.

RB- Eric Garcia- 6/10

Was a dogged and determined effort by the defender. While not a natural right-back, he slotted well and was more than handy on occasions.

RCB- Ronald Araujo- 5/10

Poorest Barca player on the pitch by a country mile. Clearly does not look himself and was subbed early again.

LCB- Andreas Christensen- 6/10

A composed performance by the Dane after returning to the side. Was there at the right place to nullify any danger

LB- Gerard Martin- 5/10

The full-back was having a good game. Did not do much wrong until he was subbed off at half-time.

CDM- Frenkie de Jong- 6/10

The Dutchman struggled in the first half, but found his range in n the second half as they turned on the screws. Kept ticking the ball over and finding space for players to run into.

CDM- Pedri- 6/10

The metronomic midfielder was slow to find his rhythm tonight. But was a class apart once he found his footing.

RW- Lamine Yamal- 8.5/10

A breath-taking strike to open the scoring for his side. Was a constant menace in danger areas whenever he had the ball. Was also crucial in getting Espanyol down to 10 men. Ended the game with an assist for Fermin.

CAM- Dani Olmo- 6.5/10

Was credited with the assist for the goal. Did not do much later before eventually being subbed.

LW- Raphinha- 5/10

The Brazilian was unusually quiet as he was unable to influence the game. Was on the periphery of the game for its majority.

ST- Robert Lewandowski- 5.5/10

Made his first start after injury and showed glimpses of his old movement. Had a shot that went off target and was a good focal point on the attack.

Sub- Alex Balde- 5/10

Came on at half-time and mad a good fist of things. Defended well and kept the Espanyol attackers at bay.

Sub- Pau Cubarsi- 5/10

Came on and did his defensive duties well.

Sub- Fermin Lopez- 6/10

Scored the goal that sealed their championship with a well-taken finish. Had not had much to do before.

Sub- Gavi- N/A

A late sub. Did not have much of an impact.

Sub- Hector Fort- N/A

A late sub. Did not have much of an impact.

Manager- Hansi Flick- 7/10

Saw his team underperform and then made the changes which eventually saw his side not only register the win, but also the La Liga title in his first season in charge. A brilliant start indeed.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Yamal.