Fermin Lopez thrilled after Barcelona’s Catalan derby win: ‘Painted in the Blaugrana again’ | OneFootball

Both of Barcelona’s goals last night against Espanyol had one thing in common – Fermin Lopez.

The young midfielder may not have seen Dani Olmo’s goal coming when he passed the ball to him in the 86th minute, but the fact remains that the game may well have ended in a draw had he not made that pass.

Four minutes later, he created an opening single-handedly through his tenacity and set up Robert Lewandowski for the team’s second goal, sealing the result.

Fermin Lopez’s thoughts

Two assists in one game. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Speaking to the media after the game, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez opened up on the game, the derby win, and what it meant to the dressing room.

“We know it was an important victory; it was the Catalan Derby, and what that means to the fans, to the club, and to us.”

“We didn’t play our best game today, but we knew how to make the most of the opportunities, and we’re very happy with the three points,” he added.

Fermin did not start on the night and came on in the second half, instantly improving the attacking dynamic. He spoke about his performance which included two assists.

“The point is helping the team, whether as a starter or as a substitute.”

“I think the whole team fought until the end, and I was able to be there in these two moments. I’m very happy to have helped the team and to have earned the three points,” he added.

The player then spoke highly of Joan Garcia and what the player pulled off against his former club.

“Joan García was amazing. We know he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”

“Today’s match was tough on him after all that pressure, and he delivered a huge performance and we’re absolutely delighted that he’s a Blaugrana,” he added.

As a true culer, he took the chance to make it clear which Catalan side would always be superior, saying, “Barcelona has been painted in the Blaugrana color again, nothing else!”

Lopez was then asked about Barcelona’s chances of winning La Liga and whether they were the favourites.

“Favourites to win La Liga? I don’t know if we’re favorites or not. In the end, the league is very long, and there are many matches left, but well, I think we’re now going through a good momentum.”

“We have an advantage over Real Madrid, and our goal is to continue with this advantage, and keep reaping the three points, and carry on like this with this momentum until the end,” he added.

Despite all the optimism he took away from the game, the youngster did admit that the team was not at their best and could have done many things better.

“I think that even though we didn’t put in our best performances, I believe the team fought until the end, and we had two chances to score.”

“I think we lost the ball a lot and weren’t able to keep long possession of the ball, but we knew our chance would come and we took advantage of it,” he added.

Speaking on Dani Olmo’s goal, which broke the deadlock and put Barcelona ahead late in the game, Fermin said,

“Olmo’s goal was great, I just passed the ball. Very happy to help the team, whether as a starter or a substitute, and I think it was an important victory and we are very happy with the team.”

He then commented on why the Catalan derby was so special for him and how winning it meant a lot.

“We’ve lived the Catalan Derby since we were young and we know what it means to the fans and to the club.”

“I think that when we win, that’s the best. In the end, we are ‘Culés’ since we were young and we are very happy,” he added.

Finally, the midfield star was asked his two cents on the upcoming Spanish Supercup, and he made it clear that Barcelona are one of the favourites.

“The Super Cup? We know that we have a chance to win the first title, we are going with great desire and we will arrive with very good sensations.”

Source: Barça One