Barcelona shine in the Catalan derby

FC Barcelona put on a fine show in the Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol. TheCamp Nou side achieved an important 0-2 away victory and performed at their top level.  The goals came in the first half courtesy of Neymar and Leo Messi.

During the opening minutes of the game, there were frequent attacks into Kiko Casilla’s area. Barcelona’s first chance came in the 3’ minute through Leo Messi and in the 6’ minute the Espanyol keeper kept out a close range shot from Luis Suárez. Luis Enrique’s squad opened the scoring in the 17’ minute with a goal from Neymar following great link-up play. Soon after, in the 25’ minute, Andrés Iniesta passed to Luis Suárez who then provided a first touch assist to Messi who made it 0-2 with his 36th goal of the season.

Espanyol had their best chances in the opponent’s area following the break but did not create too much danger. In the 54’ minute Barcelona went down to 10 men after Jordi Alba was a given a straight red card. The weakness in numbers did not affect how the visitors played, Leo Messi had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper and could have scored the third but he hit the woodwork. The Argentinian had another chance to score following a great move from Neymar but he did not reach the Brazilian’s cross. Xavi Hernández added to his legendary status by making his 500th Liga BBVA appearance.