Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday, thanks to a pair of super subs who turned the game around. Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres came off the bench to provide the decisive moments, ensuring Hansi Flick’s side leapfrogged Atletico Madrid in the standings.
The match, played at Estadio Gran Canaria, started brightly for the hosts, who looked to replicate their shock 2-1 win over Barcelona from last November. Las Palmas created several early chances, forcing Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny into a series of sharp saves. The visitors, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with many players looking off the pace and failing to create clear opportunities.
Barcelona’s best chance of the first hour came when Lamine Yamal’s cross found Raphinha, but the Brazilian’s header sailed wide. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute when substitute Dani Olmo showcased his quality. The midfielder dribbled past a defender and unleashed a thunderous strike that rattled off the crossbar and into the net, giving Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
Las Palmas thought they had a chance to equalize when Eric Garcia was penalized for an apparent handball, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, much to the relief of the away side. Barcelona sealed the victory in the closing stages when another substitute, Ferran Torres, fired a powerful shot past Las Palmas goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to make it 2-0.
The win temporarily moved Barcelona to the top of La Liga, though rivals Real Madrid can draw level on points if they defeat Girona on Sunday.
Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper & Defence:
- Wojciech Szczesny (7/10): Made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet and looked increasingly confident.
- Jules Kounde (5/10): Struggled to make an impact in attack or defense.
- Eric Garcia (7/10): Solid performance, growing in confidence with each game.
- Pau Cubarsi (7/10): Handled Las Palmas’ physicality well and was composed in defense.
- Alejandro Balde (7/10): Untroubled defensively and posed a threat going forward.
Midfield:
- Marc Casado (6/10): Worked hard but found it tough against Las Palmas’ physical midfield.
- Pedri (6/10): A quiet return to his former club, though he was warmly received by the home fans.
- Fermin Lopez (5/10): Failed to make an impact and was substituted at halftime.
Attack:
- Lamine Yamal (6/10): Quiet for long periods but showed flashes of brilliance late in the game.
- Robert Lewandowski (5/10): Isolated for most of the match with little service.
- Raphinha (7/10): Worked tirelessly but had limited opportunities to influence the game.
Barcelona’s ability to grind out results, even when not at their best, will be crucial as they aim to maintain their position at the top of La Liga. The impact of substitutes Olmo and Torres highlighted the depth of Flick’s squad, which could prove decisive in the title race.
