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A Fermin Lopez saved an otherwise languid Barcelona, as the Catalonians sealed a win to all-but secure a second-placed finish in La Liga. The Blaugrana were poor for long stretches, but timely goals from the academy graduate set up a 2-0 victory.
Barca's opener was made in La Masia. Hector Fort, in for the inconsistent Joao Cancelo, whipped a cross to the back post, which Lopez dutifully nodded home.
Xavi's side were hardly secure in their led, though. Pau Cubarsi was called on to make a number of last-ditch tackles, while a better effort from Leo Baptistao in a one-on-one would have given the home side an equaliser. Adrian Embarba followed his effort by cracking a shot off the post on the stroke of half time. The Blaugrana fortune continued after the break. Anthony Lozano opened the second half by missing a sitter.
And they were made to pay, with Lopez making an impact again. The Barca youth product darted into the box to meet a Sergi Roberto cross in stride to double the Blaugrana advantage.
It was an otherwise comfortable night for Xavi's side, who have admittedly little to play for at this point.
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