**_MADRID_**: Late goals from Dani Olmo and substitute Robert Lewandowski earned LaLiga leaders Barcelona a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Espanyol in the Catalan derby, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia playing a key role against his former club.
Espanyol came close to opening the scoring on several occasions but it was Barcelona who struck four minutes from time when Olmo produced a superb finish into the far corner after a pass from Fermin Lopez.
Lopez then surged down the right flank to set up Lewandowski in the 90th minute, providing his second assist of the night as Barcelona sealed the win.
Espanyol had been the more threatening side for long stretches, pressing aggressively and carving out several clear chances, but they were repeatedly denied by Garcia, who was unfazed by the hostile reception from his former supporters.
The Barcelona goalkeeper produced a string of outstanding saves, denying Pere Milla with a point-blank header in the first half before stopping Roberto Fernandez twice in quick succession and stretching low to keep out a curling effort from Carlos Romero as the hosts piled on pressure.
Barcelona struggled to impose themselves for much of the contest, dominating possession without a cutting edge, but the match swung following changes from coach Hansi Flick, who introduced Lewandowski, Olmo and Lopez in the second half, substitutions that added energy and proved decisive.
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