MX23RW : Sunday, April 28 00:22:02| >> :120:24512:24512:
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Espanyol logo
La Liga
Apr 25, 2015 at 3pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-2)
Neymar (17'), Messi (25')

Ten-man Barcelona beat Espanyol

First-half goals from Neymar and Lionel Messi give 10-man Barcelona a 2-0 win over Espanyol, who also had a player sent off late on.

Two first-half goals gave Barcelona a 2-0 win over local rivals Espanyol in La Liga, despite the visitors playing most of the second half a man short.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates with Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez after scoring during the Spanish league football match RCD Espanyol v FC Barcelona at the Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on April 25,© Getty Images

Neymar threatened from the start as he forced a save from Francisco Casilla inside the first three minutes, before slicing the ball over a few minutes later.

Luis Suarez also tested the Espanyol keeper inside the opening 15 minutes, but it was Neymar who broke the deadlock when the Uruguayan flicked the ball on for him to tuck into the bottom corner.

Lionel Messi made it two for Barcelona less than 10 minutes later when Suarez found him at the far past with a low cross, setting up the Argentine for a simple tap in.

The visitors had a chance to extend their lead early in the second half as Neymar charged forward again, but Casilla was ready to deny the Brazilian.

Espanyol were handed a lifeline as Jordi Alba earned a booking for kicking the ball away, before picking up a second yellow for arguing with the referee moments later.

Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona continued to look the more likely as Messi rounded several defenders before curling the ball towards the bottom corner, only to see the ball come back off the post.

Suarez linked up with Neymar again as Luis Enrique's side continued to try to put the victory beyond doubt, but the striker's finish was sliced high of the crossbar.

Claudio Bravo had to make a rare save in the final 10 minutes as Lucas tried to chip the ball past the Barcelona keeper, but he got his fingertips to it to keep it out.

Espanyol continued to look for a goal when they got the chance to in the closing stages, but Sergio Garcia's flick on for Christian Stuani resulted in an easy stop for Bravo.

The hosts also finished a man short as Hector Moreno was given his marching orders deep into stoppage time for dissent and the referee blew moments later.

The result leaves Barcelona five points clear at the top of the table, while Espanyol sit 10th.

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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates with Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez after scoring during the Spanish league football match RCD Espanyol v FC Barcelona at the Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella de Llobregat on April 25,
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