Barcelona won a one-sided La Liga derby against Espanyol 2-0
FC Barcelona's Neymar and Lionel Messi celebrate a goal during their La Liga match against Espanyol in Cornella Llobregat, on Saturday. Barca won 2-0. (Photo: AP)
Barcelona: Neymar scored the opener to continue his rich vein of form as 10-man Barcelona won a one-sided La Liga derby against Espanyol 2-0 on Saturday while Antoine Griezmann’s double helped Atletico Madrid beat Elche 3-0. Barca lead the Spanish table with 81 points, followed by Real Madrid on 76. Brazil’s Neymar followed his two goals against Paris St Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday by slotting home after Luis Suarez dummied a cross after 17 minutes.
With Barca picking holes in Espanyol’s defence, Lionel Messi doubled the lead from a tight angle after 25 minutes before Jordi Alba was sent off early in the second half. The defender was shown two yellow cards in succession after 53 minutes for a lengthy protest with the referee but Espanyol failed to apply any concerted pressure on Barca in the remainder of the match.
Xavi came on for the final three minutes for his 500th La Liga appearance for Barca who have moved five points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table. Deep in stoppage time Espanyol’s Hector Moreno was also sent off after being given a second yellow card.Griezmann’s two goals helped Atletico put their Champions League exit behind them in order to concentrate on winning third-place in La Liga.
In between a Raul Garcia shot from distance sneaked past the dive of keeper Przemyslaw Tyton and into the corner after 63 minutes had passed. Diego Simeone’s side have 72 points, seven more than fourth-placed Valencia who play Granada on Monday.
( Source : reuters )
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