Four days before a Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu which promises to be decisive, FC Barcelona regained its sensations by inflicting a memorable correction on Olympiakos (6-1) this Tuesday evening at the Lluís Companys Olympic stadium. An essential victory in the Champions League so as not to sink to the depths of the ranking, but above all a message sent forcefully to Madrid. Without delivering an impeccable collective score, the Catalans were able to count on a supersonic Fermín López, author of a resounding hat-trick who reminded everyone why the Andalusian environment embodies the very essence of this Hansi Flick version of Barça. In front of 46,264 spectators, the Blaugranas regained their ability to punish and this verticality which had been their strength at the start of the season. Marcus Rashford, lined up at the forefront, also scored twice, confirming his excellent adaptation to the Catalan game.
The match got off to a flying start with Fermín López opening the scoring in the 7th minute. After a sharp climb from Alejandro Balde, served by an exquisite heel from young Dro on the left side, Lamine Yamal tried his luck without success. But the Andalusian kept watch, regaining the ball to deceive goalkeeper Tzolakis despite three defenders on the line. However, the start of the match almost turned into a nightmare: Wojciech Szczesny, starting in goal, had to shine in the first minute on an adjusted shot from Podence, the result of a guilty loss of the ball in the Catalan restart. José Luis Mendilibar's Olympiakos dared to press high, creating a few scares, but lacked the technical quality necessary to lastingly worry the Catalans who were still imprecise in their transmissions.
Fermín doubles the bet, Barça breathes
Just before the break, in the 38th minute, Fermín struck again, this time completing a beautiful combination initiated by Pedri – who snatched the ball from Dani García – and extended by Dro. The young midfielder from San Fernando, always ideally placed, controlled before sending another shot from the left which gave the Blaugranas a two-goal lead. This achievement seemed to promise a quiet evening, especially as Barcelona generally controlled the proceedings despite unusual approximations from Koundé, Pedri and Cubarsí in the build-up. Rashford, empowered in his role as center forward and even designated free-kick taker, multiplied the initiatives without finding the target. The young Dro, less feverish than in his debut against Real Sociedad, brought freshness to the left flank. But that was without taking into account the incredible scenario that awaited the 46,000 spectators returning from the locker room.
Marcus Rashford had the spotlight stolen by Fermin Lopez against Olympiakos.
The recovery turned into an administrative psychodrama. El Kaabi scored first for the Greeks, a goal validated then canceled for offside by the VAR, before it detected a handball from Eric García in the previous action. Penalty awarded, converted by the Moroccan striker in the 52nd minute: 2-1, and Barcelona suddenly faltered. But destiny would smile on the Catalans. A few minutes later, Hezze, already warned, received a second yellow card for a trivial gesture on Marc Casadó, leaving Olympiakos with ten men. A harsh decision which provoked the fury of Mendilibar on his bench, but which radically changed the appearance of the match. The Greeks, who had believed the feat possible, saw their hopes disappear. A new penalty, this time for a foul on Rashford detected by the VAR, allowed Lamine Yamal to restore Barça's two-goal lead in the 57th minute. Then it was the recital.
Rashford, omnipresent and diligent, scored his first goal with a sharp shot from the right which made the Greek nets tremble (74th). Two minutes later, Fermín completed his personal hat-trick with another shot from the left following a pass from Bardghji, thus scoring the first hat-trick of his career in the Champions League.
Heading for the Bernabéu with newfound certainties
This large victory is good for Barcelona's morale after weeks of doubts and irregularity. Rashford completed the demonstration with another powerful strike from outside the area (79th), bringing his tally to two goals and confirming his successful adaptation to Catalan football. Hansi Flick, who surprised by sparing Ferran Torres and Frenkie de Jong – who came on in place of a applauded Dro – for the Clásico, saw his choices pay off with the emergence of the young left winger and the confirmation of Fermín as the centerpiece of his system. Despite persistent inaccuracies in the restart and a sluggish first act, Barça regained this ability to exploit spaces and punish which had characterized its excellent start to the season.
With this great success and six goals scored, the Catalans are sending a warning signal to Real Madrid before Saturday's shock. It remains to be confirmed at the Bernabéu, where the real battles are played out. But for the first time in a long time, Barcelona can approach this crucial meeting with renewed offensive arguments, rebuilt confidence and a Fermín López in a state of grace. Enough to make the White House tremble.
