Barcelona 2-0 RCD Espanyol
The Catalan Derby is usually a fiery affair, but the build-up to this latest meeting seemed pretty tame. Barca defender Gerard Pique praised Espanyol’s academy and defender Mario Hermoso on Monday night as relations seemed very cordial between the giants and their much smaller neighbours.
However, everything changed when the Barcelona centre-back opted to poke fun at Los Periquitos by stating he has more money than Espanyol’s entire budget for the 2018/19 campaign.
Whether his comments were intentionally designed to stir up trouble or were misinterpreted, that brought an end to the state of tranquillity that had emerged in the lead-up to the La Liga match and ensured it was eclipsed by one statement.
But when you need someone to take the focus from the contentious and to the classy, Lionel Messi is your man. And the little genius delivered once again in the derby.
Highlights of the game
Team news suggested Barca wanted to move one step closer to retaining the title in good time.
Coach Ernesto Valverde named a strong line-up with Messi and Luis Suarez both starting, despite the fact they were doubtful earlier in the week.
In contrast, Espanyol were looking to win away from home for just the second time this season and had the La Liga 2019 betting odds stacked high against them.
Not only were Los Periquitos taking on an in-form Barcelona with just one league defeat at the Camp Nou this campaign, but they themselves had the joint-worst away record in the league with just nine points.
Indeed, Espanyol’s record at the Camp Nou in the past decade has not been good at all as they have lost each of their last 11 visits — nine in the league and two in the Copa del Rey — since their 2-1 victory in 2009. No wonder this was such a daunting clash for many Espanyol fans.
Yet to their credit, they gave it a good go, even with the surprise of Wu Lei being left on the bench after he returned from international duty fatigued after suffering a bout of laryngitis.
With a rearguard action led by Naldo, Roberto Rosales and former Real Madrid stopper Diego Lopez, they did well to remain level for 70 minutes. But Messi eventually broke through with two goals in the final 20 minutes.
First, he effortlessly lofted a curling left-footed free-kick into the net after being fouled unceremoniously by Victor Sanchez, who was unable to prevent the goal despite getting a head on it.
Then, with Rubi’s men pressing for an equaliser, Messi made the outcome safe with a fine finish on the counter-attack.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen started the break by hurling a pass forward to Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who then found the advancing Malcom. He waited patiently for Messi to make his run and star man did the rest, slotting home expertly past Lopez.
Another game for Messi, another pair of La Liga 2019 highlights for fans and SBOBET followers to enjoy. The magical Argentinean has now scored six direct free kicks against Espanyol in all competitions, more than against any other team in his career.
It took the diminutive number 10’s goal tally for the season to 31. Although, he was fortunate to escape punishment in the closing stages when he kicked out at Esteban Granero while on the floor after a coming together, for which he immediately apologised.
As Barcelona move 13 points clear atop La Liga, the question remains how much magic does this man have? A Barcelona without him would be a very unpalatable scenario for Barca fans to contemplate.
Of course, one day it will happen but for now, here is a player to be cherished the world over. Not even the contentious Pique could disagree with that!
Key statistics
Messi has now scored six direct free kicks after 49 attempts this season in all competitions.
Messi has also tied former Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the most La Liga wins ever with 334.
Messi has scored 22 goals in his last 15 La Liga games, while he has also surpassed 40 goals in a season for the 10th successive time.
What’s next?
This match kicked off a busy spell for Barca. They meet Villarreal on Tuesday in La Liga and then host Atletico Madrid next weekend where a win could all but seal the title.
That is followed by a mouth-watering trip to Manchester United in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Espanyol host surprise package Getafe in three days’ time before going on a trip to Girona next week.
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