Espanyol welcomed Barcelona to the Estadi Cornella-El Prat for the Catalan derby on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors dominated the first period and led 2-0 at the break courtesy of goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Barca were reduced to 10 men early in the second period, however, with Jordi Alba picked up two yellows in quick succession for dissent.
Espanyol could not make their advantage count, however, and were also reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Hector Moreno was given his marching orders.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Estadi Cornella-El Prat as Espanyol welcome Barcelona for the Catalan derby. It is a really special fixture in this part of the world, but Espanyol are without a win in their last 11 league meetings with their famous neighbours.
First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news here.
TEAMS:
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Arbilla, Alvaro, Moreno, Duarte; Lucas, Canas, Abraham, Victor; Garcia, Caicedo
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rafinha; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
So there we have it. Espanyol are without key midfielder Victor Sanchez this afternoon through suspension, but head coach Sergio has very few injuries to first-team players. In-form Portuguese Felipe Caicedo keeps his spot in attack alongside the captain Sergio Garcia, while on-loan Real Madrid attacker Lucas Vasquez is also included. Reported Arsenal target Hector Moreno starts at centre-back.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, meanwhile, has made just two changes to the team that faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday. Back come Claudio Bravo and Rafinha, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ivan Rakitic the two dropping out. French defender Jeremy Mathieu remains on the bench, meanwhile, as Enrique goes for Javier Mascherano alongside Gerard Pique at the back.
© AFP
As mentioned, Espanyol are without a win in their last 11 league meetings with Barcelona, while they have lost the last six and scored just one goal in the process. On home soil, Espanyol have won just one of their last 12 derbies with Barcelona, meanwhile, losing eight times in the process. Last season, Barca were 1-0 winners in this stadium, while they thumped Espanyol 5-1 in the reverse fixture back in December.
Espanyol, however, are on a decent run of form. Sergio's side are unbeaten in their last six league games, with that run of results seeing them occupy 10th position in the table. As it stands, they are just four points off the top seven, which would certainly be seen as a successful campaign for the club. Last time out in the league, the Catalan outfit conceded late on to draw 2-2 at struggling Levante.
Unsurprisingly, Espanyol's home form this season has been a lot stronger than their form on the road. In this stadium, they have won eight of their 16 games and lost just three times. Whereas away from home, they have been beaten on nine occasions, winning just three times. There is a feeling around the club that this will be the game where Espanyol end their poor run of form against their neighbours.
Barcelona, however, will be full of confidence having booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League last week with a 2-0 second-leg victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Luis Enrique's side are also in the final of the Copa del Rey and consequently in the running for a famous treble. In La Liga, they currently top the pile on 78 points – two clear of second-place Real Madrid, who play tomorrow.
Barca are unbeaten in their last eight in the league – winning seven. They drew at Sevilla in their last away match, but returned to winning ways at home to Valencia last weekend. Real Madrid do not play Celta until tomorrow and therefore it is a chance to put five points between the sides once again. Barca's away form this season has also been strong – winning 11 of their 16 league games and losing just twice.
PREDICTION! I expect this to be a really tricky game for Barcelona, but I still think that the visitors will have just enough to win the match. Espanyol boss Sergio has sent out a very attacking team and that could play into the hands of the league leaders. Score prediction: Espanyol 1-2 Barcelona.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the first half underway.
As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the early moments, with Pique and Mascherano enjoying early touches of the ball. Espanyol must remain focused this afternoon.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Barca to take the lead inside three minutes as a wonderful passing move finds Neymar all alone inside the box, but his low effort is just saved by Casilla.
Barcelona are absolutely dominating the early moments here, with Espanyol struggling to get a touch of the ball. The visitors are displaying such confidence in possession as they pass and probe.
CHANCE! Another chance for Barca as Suarez meets a loose bouncing ball inside the Espanyol box, but once again, Casilla makes the save. Good grief what a start from the away side here.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Espanyol have not enjoyed possession in the Barcelona half thus far. It is simply all one-way traffic and more good work from Suarez wins a corner.
The saving grace for Espanyol is that they are not behind at the moment, but they need to find some way of making an impact in the final third. It is like a training exercise here as Barca remain camped outside the home side's penalty area. Already the home supporters are showing their frustration.
CHANCE! Another incredible chance for Barca as Messi finds the run of Neymar with a cracking pass, but the Brazilian can only lift his effort over Casilla and over the crossbar. Good grief.
Espanyol manage to break down the field with Caicedo, but Mascherano comes across to shield the ball, before Bravo clears down field. Still goalless with 13 minutes played, but simply all Barcelona.
Caicedo is the one Espanyol player causing Barca some problems at the moment, with his sheer power gaining a couple of free kicks. The respite is eased, but nothing has developed in attack.
Barcelona are so comfortable at the moment it is untrue. They are popping the ball around in the final third under very little pressure and Espanyol are riding their luck at the moment. In truth, the away side should already be a couple of goals ahead. It has been a dominant 17 minutes from Barca.
GOAL! Espanyol 0-1 Barcelona (Neymar)
Barcelona deservedly take the lead with 17 minutes on the clock as Neymar slides one into the bottom corner after Suarez had dummied a low cross from Alba. It is different class from Suarez.
Espanyol have just been blown away in the opening 20 minutes here. Barca have been just too good and in truth, there is very little that the home side can do about it if this pattern of play continues.
At 1-0, Espanyol will always be in the game, but you feel that a second Barca goal, even at this stage, would just kill the game. The home side have not had a single shot in the opening 22 minutes.
BOOKING! Garcia (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Pique.
The home supporters are staying with their team at the moment, but you get the feeling that the fans want to see a little bit more on the field. It has been a training exercise for Barcelona thus far here.
GOAL! Espanyol 0-2 Barcelona (Messi)
Game over. Barcelona have their second of the match as Messi converts at the far post following a super low cross from Suarez. Iniesta was also involved in the build-up and it is another stunning goal.
Half-chance for the home side, finally, as Caicedo meets a bouncing ball outside the box, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Espanyol really need to respond quickly here.
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and you just get the feeling that Espanyol want this game done and dusted as quickly as possible. Caicedo is the only player in a blue and white shirt that has threatened to make something happen. The likes of Garcia and Vasquez haven't featured.
This is a special, special performance from Barcelona, who could run absolutely riot in terms of the score here. That said, it would not be a surprise to see their level dip ahead of an important few weeks. It would be no good winning this 4-0 and then dropping points in their next match.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona and the home side just cannot get anywhere near the ball. It is almost as if Espanyol boss Sergio is watching in awe. What can he do to change the flow here?
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and in fairness, Espanyol are now enjoying more of the ball. That said, they are not threatening in the final third. It remains 2-0 to the visitors here.
Almost a half-chance for Espanyol as Caicedo slides a pass into Alvarez, but the midfielder's touch is too heavy and Mascherano is across to clear the danger. Just a few signs of Espanyol pressure.
Possession football from the away side in the last couple of minutes, but Espanyol are keeping a nice shape and manage to clear the danger each time the ball arrives inside the box. One goal for the home side, especially before the interval, would place an entirely different complexion on the game.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barca to score a third as Iniesta finds Neymar with a super pass, but the Brazilian's low effort is just tipped wide of the post by the diving Casilla.
In truth, this could be five or six at the moment. Barcelona have had at least four more opportunities to add to their two goals thus far. Espanyol, however, have not had a single chance of note thus far.
As it stands, Barcelona will once again move five points clear at the top of the table. They just will not let up at the moment and Real Madrid will have to respond away to Celta Vigo tomorrow evening.
Suarez tries his luck from distance, but his effort was always curling just wide of the post.
HALF-TIME: Espanyol 0-2 Barcelona
Good grief. That is one of the most one-sided 45 minutes of football that I have seen for some time. Barcelona are 2-0 ahead courtesy of goals from Neymar and Messi, but it could be five or six. The two goal-scorers and Luis Suarez have just run riot and Espanyol are really struggling to cope here.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 79%, while they have had six attempts - all of which have been excellent chances. Espanyol, meanwhile, have only had one attempt off target thus far. It has not been a particularly untidy match in terms of tackles, with just one yellow issued.
BENCH WATCH! Espanyol boss Sergio will surely be considering changes at the interval and he has attacking options in the shape of Montanes, Sevilla and Stuani. Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, on the other hand, might look to rest a couple of players in the second period. The visitors have a very strong bench this afternoon, with the likes of Adriano, Pedro, Rakitic and Xavi in reserve. Some bench for Barca!
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Espanyol find a route back into this match? It will be difficult! The home side get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes from either side at the break, which is a little bit of a surprise. I suspect that alterations will occur as the half progresses, but Sergio has put his trust in the players from the first period.
As expected, Barca have started the second period in possession of the ball, with Espanyol already being forced to retreat and defend their own penalty box. It could be a long second period!
Much better from Espanyol as they break with Garcia, who drives past Iniesta before feeding Caicedo, but the striker's touch takes him too wide and Alba is across to clear. The home side also threaten from two corners in quick succession, but Barca manage to clear. Can they make a game of it?
Espanyol have certainly raised their own tempo, which is creating more spice in the middle of the park. Barcelona have been a little sloppy in possession and now the home side are forcing the issue.
CHANCE! Super chance for Barca to score their third of the match as Neymar races through on goal, but once again Casilla is on hand to make a smart save. Should have been game over!
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes as the challenges continue to arrive from both teams. This is more like a derby - plenty of spice here!
BOOKING! Alba (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.
RED CARD! ALBA!
Oh my word! Barcelona have just been reduced to 10 men, with Alba sent from the field for continuing his argument with the referee. The defender was booked for kicking the ball away and then continued to converse with the referee, who showed a red card. Incredible scenes here!
POST! Wonderful chance for the away side to score a third as Messi dances through a host of challenges before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort hits the post!
BOOKING! Alvaro (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.
SUB! Espanyol make their first change as Sevilla replaces Abraham.
This is a proper derby at the moment as the challenges continue to arrive, but Barcelona are struggling to find a third to kill this game. Espanyol, meanwhile, are a threat on the counter attack.
BOOKING! Arbilla (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the away side to score a third as Suarez sets up Neymar inside the box, but somehow the Brazilian fires over the crossbar. What an opportunity!
SUB! Barca make their first change as Mathieu replaces Rafinha.
Half-chance for the home side as Caicedo drives through a host of challenges before trying his luck, but Pique is on hand to make a super block. Espanyol have a penalty shout during the resulting corner, but the referee is not interested. Still plenty of football to play and Espanyol are still in it.
Barcelona have a free kick in an advanced position as Duarte brings Messi to the ground...
... Messi fires his resulting free kick straight into the wall!
Half-chance for the home side as Garcia turns inside the Barcelona box before firing towards the bottom corner, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. Little over 20 minutes remaining here.
Half-chance for the home side as Garcia turns inside the Barcelona box before firing towards the bottom corner, but Bravo is on hand to make the save. Little over 20 minutes remaining here.
SUB! Espanyol make their second change as Stuani replaces Caicedo.
BOOKING! Lucas (Espanyol) is booked for diving outside the box.
SUB! Espanyol make their third change as Montanes replaces Alvarez.
SUB! Espanyol make their third change as Montanes replaces Alvarez.
Half-chance for the home side as Lucas sets up Stuani inside the box, but the striker's effort flies high and wide of the crossbar. Espanyol are making a real fight of this at the moment here!
Barcelona had so much control in the first period, but there is no question that the second half has been much more even. That said, clear opportunities have been hard to find for the hosts here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barca to score a third as Neymar drives into the box before setting up Messi, but Alvaro comes from nowhere to make a stunning challenge!
SAVE! Espanyol are straight down the other end with Lucas, who attempts to chip one over the Barcelona goalkeeper, but Bravo makes a super save. End-to-end football at the moment!
SUB! Barca make their second change as Rakitic replaces Suarez.
BOOKING! Canas (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Iniesta.
It is a really untidy game at the moment, with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Espanyol are still in this, but they really need to breach this Barcelona back four.
BOOKING! Busquets (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Vasquez.
Little over five minutes of football remaining and the visitors still lead 2-0 in the Catalan derby. The second period has been much more even, but the right time is currently heading for all the points.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to register as Garcia finds Stuani inside the Barcelona box, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. What an opportunity there!
SUB! Barca make their third change as Xavi replaces Iniesta.
Espanyol continue to pump the ball forward, but they are running out of time in terms of this game. Barcelona have not been as comfortable in the second half, but it appears they will be victorious.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes here.
Espanyol want a free kick in a dangerous position as Moreno goes down under pressure from Pique, but the referee is not interested and Barcelona can slow matters down with a free kick.
RED CARD! MORENO!
Espanyol are reduced to 10 men as Moreno is sent off for dissent!
FULL-TIME: Espanyol 0-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. Both sides finish with 10 men, but it is Barcelona that win 2-0 in Espanyol to move five points clear at the top of La Liga. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
