Barcelona travelled to local rivals Espanyol on Saturday knowing that three points would see them return to the top of the La Liga table, for a couple of hours at least.
An end-to-end first period brought a number of chances for both sides, but the score remained goalless at the interval.
Barcelona had to wait until the final 15 minutes to secure all the points, with a late Lionel Messi penalty finding the back of the net after Javi Lopez had handled inside the box.
It got worse for the home side late on when goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was sent from the field for handling outside the box.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Week 31 in La Liga opens from El Prat as Espanyol welcome local rivals Barcelona. The home side have lost just one of their last five in the league, with that run of form leaving them ninth. Barcelona, meanwhile, followed up their Clasico win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu last weekend with a 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo during the week. Right, the team news has already filtered through.
TEAMS:
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Fuentes, Moreno, Colotto, J Lopez; Sanchez, D Lopez, Simao; Garcia, Stuani, Pizzi
BARCA: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Fabregas, Xavi, Busquets; Pedro, Messi, Neymar
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Espanyol XI with Sergio Garcia and Pizzi providing support to Christian Stuani in forward areas. Simao also starts, but Jhon Cordoba is named on the bench. Barcelona, meanwhile, are without the injured Victor Valdes, meaning that Jose Pinto starts between the sticks. Pedro, Dani Alves and Xavi also come start in place of Alexis Sanchez, Adriano and Andres Iniesta.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won four of the last five matches, with the further clash ending in a 1-1 draw. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 2-0 victory for Barcelona, who were also 1-0 winners on their own patch earlier in the campaign.
Espanyol were 2-1 winners over Malaga on Tuesday evening, with those three points moving them into ninth position in the table. They have won 11 of their 30 league games this season and sit 12 points above the relegation zone with eight matches remaining. A top-half finish would certainly be a major success for Aguirre's side, who battled relegation in the early part of last season. It has been a solid campaign.
Espanyol's home form this season has been strong, meanwhile, with seven wins from their 15 matches. They have also won four times on the road, but lost seven times in the process. Their last home match in the league, however, ended in a goalless draw against Levante last weekend. What's more, they have failed to score in their last four league matches with this afternoon's opponents.
Defensively both teams have been strong this season. Espanyol have the fifth-best defensive record in the league with just 35 goals conceded, while Barcelona have conceded 25, which is second to current league leaders Atletico Madrid in the overall list. Down the other end, Barcelona are the leading scorers in the league with 88 goals, while Espanyol have registered 34 times in their 30 matches.
Since losing to Real Valladolid on March 8, Barcelona have won each of their last four matches in all competitions. That included victory over Manchester City in the last-16 stage of the Champions League and a 4-3 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico last weekend. Wednesday's 3-0 win over Celta has left them in second spot in the table, just one point behind leaders Atletico, who face Athletic Bilbao later this evening.
Barcelona have come unstuck on their travels this season, however, with three of their four league defeats coming on the road. Real Sociedad and Valladolid have had joy against Gerardo Martino's side in recent weeks, but Barca have a certain Lionel Messi back in full flight, with the Argentine netting seven times in his last three games in the league. Little under over minutes until kickoff and the atmosphere is building.
PREDICTION: One thing is for certain - Espanyol will not make it easy for Barcelona this afternoon. There is a real derby atmosphere inside the stadium, but I just worry whether the home side are going to see enough of the ball to really hurt the champions. I certainly expect it to be tight, but I think Barcelona have enough about them to pick up all three points. My score prediction is 3-1 Barcelona.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Right, the away side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the fierce challenges arrive in the opening couple of minutes. Fabregas takes a late one from Stuani, but the referee takes no further action. Not too much to report thus far as both sides attempt to settle into the early proceedings.
Just a reminder that victory for Barcelona this afternoon would move them back to the top of the table ahead of Atletico Madrid's trip to Bilbao. Later this evening, Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano. Possession football from Barcelona in the last couple of minutes with the likes of Neymar and Pedro enjoying the ball in wide areas, but the home side have been tight and compact thus far. Stunning noise inside the stadium.
Just a reminder that victory for Barcelona this afternoon would move them back to the top of the table ahead of Atletico Madrid's trip to Bilbao. Later this evening, Real Madrid welcome Rayo Vallecano. Possession football from Barcelona in the last couple of minutes with the likes of Neymar and Pedro enjoying the ball in wide areas, but the home side have been tight and compact thus far. Stunning noise inside the stadium.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Pedro finds the head of Neymar at the far post, but the Brazilian's effort is straight into the arms of Casilla. Pizzi is down the other end for Espanyol moments later, but he drives one wide of the post. End-to-end football in Barcelona.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Messi finds some space in the final third before sliding a low pass towards Neymar, but the Brazilian had just moved into an offside position. Espanyol remain a threat on the counter attack, but the away side have started to dominate possession and indeed create openings.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes due to the number of challenges that have arrived in the middle of the park. Fuentes is the latest to dive into the back of Fabregas, but the Spanish official does not look to his pocket. Moments later, Messi finds some space inside the box following a through pass from Neymar, but Casilla is out to claim at the vital moment.
Pique is fortunate to escape a booking following handball just inside the Barcelona half, but it does hand Espanyol a free kick, which is delivered long towards Stuani. However, Alba is on hand to clear the danger. Barcelona are down the other end moments later, but Pedro's low cross is sliced clear by centre-back Moreno.
CHANCE! Another chance for Barcelona as Neymar produces a wonderful piece of skill before finding Messi inside the box, but Moreno is across to make a stunning challenge at the vital moment.
Barcelona have started to deliver a number of crosses into the Espanyol box in the last couple of moments, but Casilla has been strong in the air. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited, meanwhile, with the away side in control of the ball. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock in this local derby.
Better from Espanyol as Garcia finds some space outside the box before clipping a cross towards Stuani, but his header is cleared by Alves. The Brazilian right-back leads a counter for Barcelona moments later, but the move breaks down in the final third when Espanyol put numbers behind the ball. End-to-end football.
CHANCES! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Messi meets a deep cross from Xavi, but the Argentine can only plant his header over the crossbar. Moments before, Messi had twice been denied by fine challenges inside the box. Down the other end, Pizzi scoops just over the crossbar from close range.
CHANCE! Miss of the season! Incredible chance for Barcelona as Alves puts it on a plate for Neymar, but the Brazilian fires over the crossbar from some four yards out. Oh my word what a chance!
CHANCE! Opportunity for Espanyol this time as Pinto makes a meal of a bouncing ball inside the box. The home supporters believe that the ball had been carried over the line, but nothing is given. End-to-end football in this derby. Hardly time to take a breath, but the score remains level at 0-0.
CHANCE! Another clear chance - this time for Espanyol - as Garcia spots the run of Pizzi inside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar from close range. I have never seen anything like it. This could be 3-3 in the opening 24 minutes at El Prat. How is it still 0-0?!
Appears to be a problem for Mascherano as the Barcelona defender clashes with Neymar, but it does appear that the Argentine will be fit to continue. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of match. Incredible intensity in the middle of the park as the challenges continue from both sides. Little under 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
Clash between both sets of players as Neymar appears to take one in the face from Stuani, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings and produce a yellow card for the Espanyol attacker. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third.
Another half-chance for Neymar as Messi finds some space in the final third before sliding a pass towards the Brazilian, but Moreno is on hand to make a fine challenge once more. The resulting corner is delivered towards Pique, but Colotto wins the battle in the air. Espanyol break with Garcia, but the Espanyol skipper's through pass is just too powerful for David Lopez, who had broken from a central midfield area.
Half-chance for Barcelona once more as Xavi slides a through pass towards Messi, but Casilla is out to collect at the vital moment. A loose pass from Alba almost puts Barca in trouble moments later, but Pique is on hand to clear. Still goalless with little over 10 minutes of the first period to play at El Prat.
MANAGER CLASH! Martino and Aguirre have to be separated on the sidelines after an altercation between the two managers. It is all happening here. Certain ill-feeling between the two teams as the first period enters its latter stages. Barcelona threaten with two corners in quick succession moments later, but Moreno and Colotto take it in turns to clear the danger.
Colotto will miss Espanyol's next league match after picking up a yellow card for a really poor challenge on Neymar in a wide position. The resulting set piece is taken by Xavi, but Moreno is on hand to clear. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments with 38 minutes on the clock.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Neymar as Alba finds the run of the Brazilian inside the box, but his effort moves wide of the post. Neymar has had two golden opportunities in this match.
Espanyol force their first corner of the match following bright work from David Lopez down the right. The resulting set piece is delivered into the heart of the Barcelona back four, but Neymar is on hand to clear the danger. Barcelona attempt to break with Messi, but Casilla is out to clear into the away side's half.
Strong pressure from the home side in the latter stages of the half as Pizzi delivers two dangerous balls into the Barcelona box, but Alba and Pinto take it in turns to clear the danger. It has been a stunning first period, but neither side has been able to find the back of the net despite their best efforts.
Yellow card for Busquets as Espanyol continue to force the issue in the latter stages of the first period. Stuani has an effort from distance, but it moves wide of the post. Moments later, Simao's deep cross is cleared by Mascherano as the referee brings the first period to an end in Barcelona.
HALF TIME: Espanyol 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. However, both managers will be wondering how their side has not scored. Both have had a number of clear chances, but poor finishing has left the score untouched. It has been a pulsating first 45 minutes of Spanish football.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have completely dominated the possession with 76%, while they have had four attempts - two of which have been on target. Their best chance fell to Neymar in the early stages, but somehow the Brazilian fired an Alves cross over the crossbar from close range. Espanyol, meanwhile, have had three attempts, but not yet tested Pinto, who has had a couple of nervous moments inside his own box.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Alex Fernandez, Abraham and Cordoba. Meanwhile, Barcelona have the likes of Iniesta, Sanchez and Tello in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Alex Fernandez, Abraham and Cordoba. Meanwhile, Barcelona have the likes of Iniesta, Sanchez and Tello in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. As it stands, Barcelona would move level on points with league leaders Atletico Madrid, who face Bilbao later this evening. Right, the home side get the second period underway in Barcelona. Let's hope for goals at El Prat.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital.
Possession football from Espanyol in the early stages of the second period, with the likes of David Lopez and Sanchez seeing plenty of the ball in forward areas. Not too much from Barcelona, however, with Moreno and Colotto both pushing onto Messi in the final third. Still goalless with 50 minutes on the clock in Barcelona.
Early change for Espanyol and it appears to be an injury for Moreno as the centre-back leaves the field holding his back. His replacement is Sidnei. Iniesta also appears to be getting stripped for Barcelona in the early stages of the second period. No real chances to speak of in what has been a tight second half thus far.
Half-chance for the home side as Pizzi drives into the Barcelona box before finding Garcia, but Pique is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Barcelona are down the other end with Neymar in the next attack, but Fuentes is across to make the challenge. The tension is just starting to build in Barcelona.
Half-chance for Espanyol as Fuentes delivers a dangerous free kick into the heart of thw Barcelona defence, but there are no takers at the far post. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium as the home supporters continue to make their voices heard. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining and the score remains 0-0.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third of the field. Just a reminder that Barcelona's fellow title rivals Atletico and Real Madrid are both in action this evening. Atletico travel to Bilbao, before Madrid host Rayo Vallecano.
Espanyol want a penalty as Fuentes goes down inside the Barcelona box under pressure from Pedro, but the referee is not interested. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to pick up all the points. However, it remains goalless with 63 minutes on the clock. Barcelona are in need of some inspiration here.
Still no movement on the Barcelona bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings. In truth, not too much is happening at the moment. Espanyol continue to deliver deep balls into the Barcelona box, but Pique remains strong in the air. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and still the score remains goalless.
Espanyol make their second change of the match as Alex replaces Pizzi, who has struggled to influence proceedings this afternoon. However, still no movement on the Barcelona bench. Plenty happening in the middle of the park as the late challenges continue to arrive, with Neymar diving into the back of Fuentes once more.
Another Barcelona counter brings a half-chance as Pedro drives down the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Sidnei is on hand to clear the danger. Xavi delivers the resulting corner towards the near post, but Fabregas's header is straight into the arms of Casilla. Still goalless with 70 minutes on the clock.
No sign of Espanyol sitting back and playing for the draw here as the home side continue to force the issue in the final third. Barcelona, meanwhile, are preparing to make their first change, with Iniest warming up.
Bright work from Neymar once more as the Barcelona forward drives down the left before delivering into the box, but Fuentes is on hand to clear. Xavi delivers towards Pique, but Casilla is out punch clear. Frantic inside the Espanyol box, but the home side manage to clear at the vital moment. Still goalless in Barcelona.
Half-chance for the home side as Alex finds some space inside the Barcelona box before curling one towards goal, but Pinto is on hand to make the save. Barcelona break down the other end with Alba, but once more the danger is cleared. Still no way through for the champions with little over 15 minutes remaining.
PENALTY TO BARCELONA!
Barcelona are awarded a penalty as Javi Lopez challenges Neymar inside the box. Hint of handball, hint of a late challenge. Strange decision for me?! What a chance for Barcelona...
GOAL! Espanyol 0-1 Barcelona (Messi, pen)
Barcelona lead with 77 minutes on the clock as Messi steps up before sending his effort straight down the middle. It is harsh on the home side, but that is football at this level.
Espanyol make their third and final change as Cordoba enters the field in place of Simao. Little over 10 minutes for the home side to turn this one around. Handball was the reason for the penalty, rather than the challenge that followed. For me, it was harsh.
Barcelona also made a change as it was all happening with Iniesta replacing Pedro, which is not much of a surprise. It is very frantic at the moment as both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third. As it stands, Barcelona are returning to the top of the table. What a moment in the title race in Spain.
Barcelona make their second change of the match as Neymar is replaced by Sanchez for the final stages. You just get the feeling that there are more chances to come in the final five minutes or so. Espanyol will feel that they deserve something from their overall play. It has been an incredible derby in Barcelona.
RED CARD! Casilla (Espanyol)
Espanyol lose their goalkeeper to a red card as the Spaniard handles outside the box when Messi had been through on goal. The Argentine attempted to lift his effort over Casilla, but the stopper made clear contact with his hand. Certain red card.
The resulting free kick is taken by Messi, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Espanyol just need to be a little careful here as the home side continue to dive into a number of late and rash tackles.
Barcelona continue to force the issue in the latter stages with Lopez now between the sticks for Espanyol. Another half-chance arrives as Sanchez drives a low cross into the box, but Fuentes makes the clearance. Little over one minute of this La Liga contest remaining. Barcelona lead through that Messi spot kick.
Barcelona make their third and final change of the match as Roberto enters the field in place of Fabregas. Moments later, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Is there time for late drama here?
Challenge after challenge from Espanyol as the home side attempt to regain possession, but Barcelona are just too cute in the final third. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining and Barcelona still lead 1-0.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Sanchez breaks through on goal, but the midfielder Lopez makes a fine save from close range! Hardly any time left here.
FULL TIME: Espanyol 0-1 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Barcelona winning 1-0. The result has moved the away side to the top of the table, while Espanyol remain ninth. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again later for Bilbao against Atletico. Until then!
