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Espanyol logo
La Liga
Mar 29, 2014 at 3pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

0-1


Casilla (84')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Messi (77' pen.)

Lionel Messi penalty wins it for Barcelona

Barcelona edge out rivals Espanyol 1-0 in this afternoon's Catalan derby in La Liga, thanks to a Lionel Messi penalty.

Barcelona have edged out rivals Espanyol 1-0 in this afternoon's Catalan derby in La Liga, thanks to a Lionel Messi penalty.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match against RCD Espanyol on March 29, 2014© Getty Images

Both sides missed chances in a thrilling first half and Espanyol matched their opponents for the majority of the game, but it was Messi who was decisive once again, winning it for the visitors late on.

Barca created a host of chances in a frantic opening period with Neymar in particular guilty of missing two good opportunities, one when unmarked four yards from goal.

There were also chances for Messi and Pedro as the visitors were left frustrated by the doggedness of their opponents.

Espanyol created a couple of chances of their own as game wore on. Pizzi fired over the bar after a good pass from Sergio Garcia after Jose Pinto had appeared to carry the ball over the goalline, but the referee gave nothing.

Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior (R) vies with Espanyol's midfielder David Lopez (L) during the Spanish league football match on March 29, 2014© Getty Images

In the second half the pace slowed somewhat as both sides missed half-chances before Messi decided the game with 13 minutes to go, slotting his penalty beyond the goalkeeper after a handball offence by Javi Lopez.

Things got worse shortly afterwards for the home side as Kiko Casilla rushed from his goal and his penalty area to deny Messi with a handball and was subsequently sent off.

Lopez went in goal for the hosts and showed his versatility with a couple of good saves in the closing minutes.

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Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior (R) vies with Espanyol's midfielder David Lopez (L) during the Spanish league football match on March 29, 2014
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