Lionel Messi scored another hat-trick as Barcelona came from behind to beat Espanyol 5-1 on Sunday.
Sergio Garcia opened the scoring for the visitors, but Messi (3), Gerard Pique and Pedro responded for Barca, who have returned to second place in the La Liga table.
Here, Sports Mole analyses how each individual player performed during the Catalan derby.
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BARCELONA
Goal
Claudio Bravo: Made a big save to deny Victor Sanchez at 1-0 and looked sharp from set pieces. Continues to impress between the sticks for Barca. (7/10)
Defence
Dani Alves: Was caught too far up the field for the opening goal of the match, but improved in the second period. Still lacks genuine quality from crossing positions. (6/10)
Gerard Pique: Could not deal with Garcia when the Spaniard accelerated, but steadied the ship in the second period and added Barca's third with a clever header. (7/10)
Javier Mascherano: Usually the player to bring possession into midfield, but was a little subdued at the Camp Nou. Solid enough without pulling up too many trees. (6/10)
Jordi Alba: Should have scored in the first half, but was denied by Kiko Casilla. Remained a threat in wide positions for the entirety of the match. (7/10)
Midfield
Xavi: Enjoying his run in the team and was again impressive. Set up Messi for Barca's equaliser and always looked capable of threading a pass through the eye of a needle. (7/10)
Sergio Busquets: Lost possession inside his own half, which led to Espanyol's opener. Improved in the second period, but did not have much of an influence on the match. (6/10)
Ivan Rakitic: Given licence to roam, but did not have much of an effect in the final third. Was replaced by the returning Andres Iniesta after 65 minutes. (6/10)
Attack
Luis Suarez: Still looking for his first Barca goal. Set up Messi for the Argentine's second of the match, but snatched at a couple of chances of his own. (6/10)
Lionel Messi: Absolutely carried his side at the Camp Nou. Hit the crossbar with a stunning free kick, but still scored a hat-trick to inspire the home team to victory. (9/10)
Neymar: Did not have much luck in front of goal, but certainly raised his game in the second period. Perhaps should have won a penalty early in the second 45 minutes. (7/10)
Substitutes
Andres Iniesta: Given the final 25 minutes on his return to La Liga action and radiated class each time he had possession of the ball. (7/10)
Pedro: Only had 20 minutes on the field, but made quite an impression. Scored his side's fourth with a brilliant finish, before expertly setting up Messi for the Argentine's third. (8/10)
Jeremy Mathieu: Replaced Busquets after 83 minutes and was steady enough. (6/10)
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ESPANYOL
Goal
Kiko Casilla: Made a couple of smart saves in the first period, but was left exposed by his defence in the second half. Cannot really be blamed for any of the goals. (6/10)
Defence
Anaitz Arbilla: Made some crucial blocks in the first period, but struggled as the tempo grew after the interval. (6/10)
Alvaro Gonzalez: Just could not live with Messi in the final third. Did not know whether to follow the Argentine up the field and was eventually made to pay in the second half. (5/10)
Eric Bertrand Bailly: Ivorian youngster impressed in the first period, but looked a shade leggy under constant pressure in the second half. Was replaced after 83 minutes. (6/10)
Juan Fuentes: Did his best to break forward, but was restricted in the second half. Failed to tuck in and aid his centre-backs when Barca broke through the middle. (5/10)
Midfield
Victor Sanchez: Had a glorious chance to send Espanyol 2-0 ahead in the first period, but lost his feet at the vital moment. It would have put a very different complexion on things. (6/10)
Jose Canas: Decent enough in possession of the ball, but did not really get to grips with the Barca midfield. Was replaced by Hector Moreno on the hour mark. (6/10)
Salva Sevilla: Picked up the first booking of the match after 29 minutes for a really rash challenge on Messi and faded from that moment. (5/10)
Lucas Vasquez: Threatened to cause problems with his pace and running ability in the final third, but never saw enough of the ball in the second period. (6/10)
Attack
Sergio Garcia: Opened the scoring with a brilliant finish and was his side's most dangerous player in the first period. Alongside his teammates, however, he struggled in the second half. (7/10)
Felipe Caicedo: Showed some nice link-up work in the early stages, but did not have any meaningful attempts on goal. Was replaced by Christian Stuani 20 minutes from time. (5/10)
Substitutes
Hector Moreno: Made his long-awaited return to La Liga following a broken leg, but could not stop his side conceding two more goals in the latter stages. (6/10)
Christian Stuani: Given the final 20 minutes at the Camp Nou, but did not have anywhere near enough service to make a positive contribution. (5/10)
Abraham: Did not enter until the 83rd minute and therefore struggled to make his mark. (5/10)
Matt Law
