AFP, Barcelona :
Dani Olmo scored twice on his first start as he comes back from injury as Barcelona beat local rivals Espanyol 3-1 on Sunday to move nine points clear at the top of LaLiga.
Earlier, Atletico Madrid eased to a 2-0 win over Las Palmas and moved third, with Coach Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano netting his first goal for the club.
With second-place Real Madrid not in action after their game at Valencia was called off because of the devastating floods in the region, Hansi Flick’s soaring Barcelona stretched their lead on the champions.
Raphinha netted in between Olmo’s goals as Barcelona racked up a three-goal lead by the 31st minute at the Olympic Stadium.
Javi Puado pulled one back as Espanyol fought hard to avoid a derby pummelling in the second half, with the visitors scoring three disallowed goals.
Teenage Spain star Lamine Yamal crafted his first goal with a delicious pass using the outside of his boot, which Olmo dispatched with an explosive finish.
Brazilian winger Raphinha lofted the second over Garcia when Marc Casado produced a fine pass which split Espanyol’s defence.
Olmo added his second with a powerful low drive but after that Barcelona were frustrated as neighbours Espanyol, 17th, battled well.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone had said there was “no sense” in playing La Liga matches this weekend because of the floods, but his team secured a comfortable victory.
Donations of food and other useful products were collected outside the Metropolitano stadium in support of those affected in the east of Spain by the floods which have killed more than 200 people.
“I’m very happy for my first goal for Atletico but we can’t ignore everything that’s happening in Valencia, all the victims there. I send my support and strength to them,” said Giuliano Simeone.
The hosts took the lead after 37 minutes when Nahuel Molina’s long ball found Simeone darting in behind the defence.
