Barcelona striker debate continues as Lewandowski outshines Ferran Torres against Espanyol – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona took a short trip across the city to face local rivals Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium and came away with a 2-0 win. One could argue that Hansi Flick’s men did not deserve it and that it was a very lucky night, but that would only take the sheen off Joan Garcia’s performance.

The truth is that Barcelona were second best for much of the game, and it took a worldie from Dani Olmo and a goal from Robert Lewandowski to secure the three points and a nine-match winning run for Hansi Flick and co.

Now, as per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s striker debate continues to rage, as Lewandowski, who has started the last four games on the bench, continues to push Ferran Torres for the starting berth in matches going forward.

Ferran had a very poor game against Espanyol despite having space to exploit. His first touch let him down often, and he did not do nearly enough in the build-up compared with what the Polish veteran produced in the last 20-odd minutes.

Lewandowski, meanwhile, refuses to give up on becoming a starter for Barcelona again, wrestling the position away from the Spaniard. It is a very difficult situation for Hansi Flick, halfway through the season.

Every time you think the pendulum has swung firmly one way, the other does something to wrestle it back. Competition for places is good for the squad, but the standard is not one to be proud of.

It remains to be seen whether the Pole is preferred ahead of Ferran in Barcelona’s next game. Only time will tell how things play out.