La Liga leaders Barcelona continued their excellent early season form under Hansi Flick as they swept aside city rivals Espanyol to move nine points clear of Real Madrid.

The final whistle goes, and Barcelona march on to extend their lead at the summit over LaLiga with a 3-1 victory over local! rivals Espanyol! Already 3-0 up and cruising following a dominant first-half display, the Blaugrana produced 1.46 xG in total and saw Olmo, Yamal, Lewandowski and Lopez all have chances to extend their advantage prior to Fati's disallowed goal at the death. At the other end though, it was Espanyol looking to seize the impetus and get themselves back in the game, racking up 0.97 xG and seeing goals chalked off for Tejero and Puado. Those decisions came either side of the visitors' one successful attack, with Puado slotting in at the back post from Romero's low cross. Further efforts from Tejero, Puado, Cheddira and Carreras all went astray as Espanyol remain locked in a relegation top flight, but at the top end of the table, Barcelona go nine points clear of Clasico rivals Real Madrid and are showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever!