The Espanyol vs Barcelona player ratings reflect a derby that proved far more competitive than many recent meetings between the two Catalan rivals.
Barcelona began 2026 with a 2–0 victory at the RCDE Stadium, but the scoreline only tells part of the story after a match shaped by goalkeeping heroics and late attacking quality.
Both sides created opportunities during an evenly balanced first half, which ended goalless despite periods of pressure at both ends.
Barcelona struggled to convert possession into clear chances, while Espanyol tested their opponents with direct attacking moments of their own.
Hansi Flick attempted to add structure after the interval by introducing Fermin Lopez in place of Marcus Rashford.
The change gave Barcelona greater balance and improved their attacking rhythm, yet the breakthrough still proved elusive as both goalkeepers continued to deny clear openings.
It ultimately took a moment of individual brilliance to decide the contest.
Dani Olmo produced a stunning long-range finish in the closing stages to break the deadlock, before Robert Lewandowski added a second goal minutes later to secure all three points.
The Espanyol vs Barcelona player ratings reflect how fine the margins were for much of the night.
Goalkeeper Dominance Shapes Espanyol vs Barcelona Player Ratings
Joan Garcia: 10
The standout performer in the Espanyol vs Barcelona player ratings delivered a flawless display on one of the biggest nights of his career.
Facing his former club in a hostile atmosphere, Garcia handled the pressure superbly from start to finish.
He made one routine stop and one outstanding reflex save in the first half, denying Espanyol a certain goal just after the half-hour mark.
His anticipation and positioning remained sharp throughout, including a crucial one-on-one save that preserved Barcelona’s clean sheet.
Garcia finished the match with six saves from inside the box, completing a commanding performance.
Defensive Performances in Espanyol vs Barcelona Player Ratings
Alejandro Balde: 8
Balde played with attacking intent throughout, frequently pushing forward and overlapping with Rashford to stretch Espanyol’s defence.
While his final deliveries lacked consistency, his pace in transition and willingness to support attacks added an important outlet.
Gerard Martin: 7
Martin delivered a disciplined defensive display, reading the game well and maintaining strong positioning.
He also contributed to a key moment when he inadvertently blocked a dangerous situation after being nudged by Garcia while tracking back.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.5
Cubarsi appeared far more composed than he had been towards the end of 2025. His decision-making was calm, his distribution measured, and he avoided unnecessary challenges.
The young defender consistently recovered possession and played out from the back with confidence.
Jules Kounde: 7
Operating with a slightly advanced role on the right, Kounde linked effectively with Lamine Yamal in tight areas. However, his crossing lacked precision and did not consistently trouble the Espanyol defence.
Midfield Control in Espanyol vs Barcelona Player Ratings
Eric Garcia: 8
Deployed once again as a pivot, Garcia provided control in possession and ensured steady ball circulation.
He also contributed defensively, delivering another balanced performance that helped Barcelona maintain structure.
Frenkie de Jong: 7.5
Tasked with leading the midfield while Pedri was rested, De Jong managed the tempo well.
Although there were moments when he could have played more directly, his composure and positioning were important throughout.
Attacking Threat Assessed in Espanyol vs Barcelona Player Ratings
Lamine Yamal: 9
Barcelona’s most dangerous attacker on the night. Yamal consistently threatened down the right flank, creating opportunities through dribbling and intelligent movement.
He registered Barcelona’s clearest chances of the first half and continued to trouble Espanyol after the break.
Raphinha: 7
Initially used in a central role, Raphinha struggled to influence the game early on.
After moving back to the wing, he played with greater freedom before being substituted.
Marcus Rashford: 6.5
Rashford’s movement stretched Espanyol’s back line, but his decision-making and ball control were inconsistent.
There were moments of positional confusion, particularly when Balde advanced, highlighting an area that requires improvement.
Ferran Torres: 6.5
Torres found it difficult to impose himself in the opening half, struggling to control passes into the box and link play in advanced areas.
He was not involved as often as Barcelona would have hoped.
Substitutes Influence Espanyol vs Barcelona Player Ratings
Fermin Lopez: 9
Introduced after the break, Lopez added energy and attacking intent. Although he did not find shooting positions immediately, his impact grew as the game progressed.
Shifted wide late on, he provided the assist for Olmo’s opener before creating the second goal with an excellent pass to Lewandowski.
Dani Olmo: 8.5
Olmo’s cameo proved decisive. With minimal involvement prior to the goal, he required just one touch to unleash a superb strike from distance into the top corner, breaking the deadlock in dramatic fashion.
Robert Lewandowski: 8
Lewandowski sealed the result by finishing from close range after Lopez’s creative work. His goal ensured Barcelona closed out the derby with a two-goal cushion.
The Espanyol vs Barcelona player ratings highlight a contest defined by patience, defensive discipline, and moments of quality late on.
Barcelona’s ability to stay composed and rely on contributions from the bench ultimately proved decisive in a tightly fought derby at the RCDE Stadium.
