Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol: 3 things we learned

Barcelona beat their city rivals 2-0 to remain firmly at the top of the LaLiga table. Barca now have 69 points from 29 matches whereas Espanyol have 34 from 29 games. Lionel Messi scored a brace to earn the vital three points for Barca yet again.

Barca dominated the match and had more than 70% ball possession. However, Espanyol penetrated into the Barca penalty box on a few occasions but could trouble Ter Stegen much. It was an important win for Barca, who stretched their lead over the second-placed Atletico Madrid to 13 points.

On that note, here we take a look at the 3 things we learned from the game.

#1 Espanyol defended well for the first 70 minutes

Espanyol were not overawed by their mighty opposition and fought really hard for the first 70 minutes. They played a 5-4-1 formation and always had a number of players in the defensive third. Their defenders paid extra attention to Messi’s movements and did not allow him to take any shot at goal.

Barca fielded their customary 4-3-3 formation with Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez, and Messi as their front three. Arthur Melo, Sergio Busquets, and Ivan Rakitic started in the midfield for them. However, Barca’s much-vaunted attack could not force their way through the Espanyol defense, and the first half ended goal-less.

Espanyol’s captain Victor Sanchez was somewhat responsible for Barca’s opening goal from a Messi free-kick but played well otherwise. He led their defense creditably against a strong Barca attack. Espanyol’s goalkeeper also made a few good saves to keep the Barca forwards at bay.

Espanyol also managed to trouble the Barca defense somewhat with counter-attacking moves. Oscar Melendo, Espanyol’s attacking midfielder, had a good match up front, and played some incisive through balls inside the Barca half.

However, it is almost impossible for any team to stop Barca from scoring at Camp Nou, and Espanyol too failed in their pursuit ultimately. However, their defenders earned some respect on the night.

#2 Barca attacked more in the second half

Barca went all-out for a victory after the half-time. They took Arthur off and introduced Malcom to the attack. Coutinho was pushed back to the midfield. Rakitic, who took some good shots at the Espanyol goal, also had a decent match, and kept troubling the Espanyol defenders.

Malcom’s introduction meant that Barca went more frequently into the attack and had around 6-7 players in the final third at times. They also started playing a high line and had all 10 of their outfield players in the opposition half at times. Jordi Alba made some probing runs through the left flank.

Espanyol finally buckled under the intense pressure and conceded a free-kick at the edge of the penalty box, which led to the opening goal. However, Suarez was off-color today and could not contribute much to Barca’s victory.

#3 Messi was at it again

The incomparable Messi again rescued Barca and earned three points for them. He scored both the goals for Barca and now has 41 goals from 38 matches this season. He was not given much freedom by the Espanyol defenders throughout the match, but he kept making his mark with his deft touches, clever passes, and accurate shots.

Messi himself earned the free-kick in the 69th minute and scored from it as well. Sanchez failed to clear his innocuous goal-bound chip, and the ball went past the diving goalkeeper to give Barca the much-needed opening goal. Messi again scored in the 89th minute to increase the deficit and ensure yet another win for the Catalan giants.

Barca have a very good team overall but continue to depend on the talismanic Argentine to grind out wins against lowly oppositions. Messi has been sublime this season and remains the favorite to win the European Golden Shoe again.

Edited by Sujith M

Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol: 3 things we learned | LaLiga 2018-19

#2 Barca attacked more in the second half

#3 Messi was at it again