Barcelona leads Real Madrid by 9 points: La Liga title and beyond

Barcelona secured a resounding 4-1 victory against Espanyol, fueled by the inspiration of Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres regaining their goal-scoring form, creating numerous chances to win La Liga on the day of the "Classic" fixture.

Under coach Hansi Flick, the team rediscovered its attacking prowess in the Barcelona city derby, solidifying its top position with a 9-point lead over Real Madrid. More importantly, following Yamal's dominant performance from start to finish, Barcelona regained confidence for the Champions League.

The Derby of Lamine Yamal

The derby was distinctly marked by Lamine Yamal. Up to this point, it has also been the season of the number 10 player. Likely, the title will be illuminated by Barcelona's young star. His genius left foot has been the consistent foundation throughout a season where Hansi Flick's team dominates with a 9-point advantage over Real Madrid, with only 7 rounds remaining, after once trailing by 5 points immediately after the "Classic" at Bernabeu in October.

Theoretically, Barcelona could reach 100 points. Meanwhile, the cules are awaiting a potential title celebration on May 10th, the day of the return "El Clasico" at Camp Nou. The last time La Liga witnessed a title celebration in a match between Barcelona and Real Madrid? The 1931-32 season, when Real Madrid clinched the title after a 2-2 draw in Barcelona, while their main rival Bilbao lost.

Lamine's feet do not lie, even though his facial expressions often spark controversy. After each match, people dissect Lamine's mood—disappointment, sadness, or anger—as in the last two matches against Atletico (a 2-1 win at Metropolitano, or the moment after the Champions League quarter-final first leg). But against Espanyol, Lamine was the one who opened and also closed the match. He provided an early assist for Ferran Torres and decided everything at the end, while Camp Nou remained tense and Flick had to adjust tactics.

Barcelona's Champions League chances also heavily depend on Lamine Yamal, as Raphinha is injured, Pedri hasn't reached optimal form (partly due to fitness), and it's unclear if Ferran Torres can maintain his scoring efficiency. Flick's team operates largely based on goals, and in this derby they scored 4, including a double from Ferran, one from Yamal, and the remaining goal from Marcus Rashford—also a player of "two faces".

Barcelona still lacks fluidity in collective play, but individual mistakes cost Espanyol dearly. The "Parrots" have not won any match in 2026, after losing 0-2 in the first derby at Cornella.

Yamal awakens Ferran, awakens Barcelona

Flick's lineup carried certain risks; it was unclear whether he aimed to optimize the fitness of key players before the Champions League match on Tuesday night at Metropolitano, or simply wanted to seal La Liga. Using heavily played players alongside ignoring less-used substitutes like Casado or Roony Bardghji reflects debates about Barcelona's physical condition. However, the mix of starters and substitutes proved effective. In less than 30 minutes, the score was 2-0.

Ferran Torres, who had been silent for 13 matches since January 31st, unexpectedly exploded with two consecutive goals, both from Lamine's passes. The opening goal came from a corner executed by Lamine, with Ferran heading at the second post. The second goal originated from Pau Cubarsi's ball recovery, continued by Gavi and accelerated by Lamine. A delicate touch with the outside of his left foot created space for Ferran to surge forward, bypass Romero, and finish past Dmitrovic.

Lamine's subtlety combined with Ferran's sharpness shaped the match and punished Espanyol's weak defensive play. The "Parrots" retreated deeply and struggled defensively, though they still had notable counter-attacks like Kike Garcia's situation, exposing weaknesses behind Barcelona's defense, reminiscent of scenarios that previously led to Cubarsi's expulsion and Julian Alvarez's goal. Flick's immediate angry reaction helped Barcelona adjust their defense and continue pressing.

Barcelona slowed down after Ferran's third goal was disallowed for offside early in the second half. Shortly after, Pol Lozano reduced the deficit. This goal opened up the match. Flick became angry again and continuously adjusted, while goalkeeper Joan Garcia had to work harder than Dmitrovic.

The uncertainty ended only when Lamine accelerated. After a series of spectacular dribbles that couldn't result in a goal, he finally increased the score to 3-1 in a somewhat fortunate situation. Not stopping there, Lamine continued to impress with an excellent through pass, allowing De Jong to break through alone, handle with class, maintain a cool rhythm before assisting Rashford to seal the 4-1 score.

Nothing is better than rediscovering scoring ability at this moment. Barcelona almost touches the La Liga title and gains additional confidence for the Champions League. Lamine continues to advance. He became the youngest player to make 100 appearances in La Liga, at just 18 years and 272 days, surpassing Raul's record (19 years 284 days); as well as Iker Muniain (19 years 293 days). Behind him are Etxeberria (20 years 177 days), Bojan (20 years 203 days), Gavi (20 years 243 days), Javi Martinez (20 years 263 days), Aguero (20 years 278 days), Jose Mari (20 years 324 days). If Barcelona seeks a foundation for a "remontada" (comeback), it can only be Yamal.