Substitute Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres Secure Vital Victory as Barca Edge Closer to Title Race
Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday, though the performance left much to be desired. Despite a lackluster display, goals from substitutes Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres ensured the Catalans leapfrogged Atletico Madrid, who had briefly taken pole position earlier in the day with a 3-0 win over Valencia.
The win, which avenged Barcelona’s shock home defeat to Las Palmas earlier in the season, came at a cost as Xavi Hernandez’s side struggled to find their rhythm for large parts of the game. However, a moment of brilliance from Olmo and a clinical finish from Torres sealed the three points, sending Barcelona one point clear at the top of the table.
“We scored two goals, we took three points, and the three-and-a-half-hour flight back is much better with these three points,” a relieved Xavi told reporters after the match. “In the first half, we missed 5-10 percent, maybe more, from our best level. The players aren’t happy with the performance, but they are happy with the result.”
Barcelona labored through a disjointed first half, failing to break down a resolute Las Palmas defense. Xavi’s decision to introduce Olmo at halftime proved decisive, as the Spanish international broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Lamine Yamal’s incisive run and pass found Olmo, who showcased quick feet to create space and slot home a composed finish.
Olmo, who has endured a turbulent season due to Barcelona’s financial constraints and a calf injury, expressed his delight at making an impact. “We don’t feel pressure; we want to be at the top,” Olmo told Movistar. “Today we took three important points, so we’re going home happy.”
Las Palmas had a penalty appeal waved off after a shot struck Eric Garcia’s arm, but VAR ruled out the incident due to an offside in the build-up. The hosts pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but it was Barcelona who struck again in stoppage time. A defensive error allowed Raphinha to set up Torres, who fired past goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to seal the win.
The defeat leaves Las Palmas hovering just above the relegation zone, level on points with 18th-placed Valencia.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s earlier victory, fueled by Julian Alvarez’s brace and a late goal from Angel Correa, kept them firmly in the title race.
Alvarez, who now has nine league goals this season, emphasized the importance of the win. “It wasn’t an easy game, but we knew we had to go for it,” the Argentine forward said. “We’re still in the fight, and there are a lot of games to go. We have to keep working hard and stay humble.”
With the title race heating up, Barcelona will need to improve their performances as they prepare for a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. For now, though, the Catalans can take solace in returning to the top of La Liga, even if the journey there was far from convincing.
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