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La Liga leaders Barca held in derby stalemate by Espanyol
– Espanyol have only won one of their six matches against Barcelona in La Liga on the first matchday of the year (2D 4L).
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Barca’s star front three of Messi, Suarez and Neymar combined for 137 of a record 180 goals in 2015, but they didn’t come to life until midway through the first half when Neymar’s unsafe cross fell just behind Suarez.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique believes Atletico Madrid are leading candidates to win La Liga and has warned his players not to underestimate them in the title race. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has demanded more from his side in the second half of the season despite looking down on Spanish football’s perennial powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Although Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit the woodwork, Barca were far from their fluid best in attack as Espanyol’s intense and aggressive approach succeeded in making the game a scrappy affair.
Barcelona and their local rivals Espanyol have put on a number of entertaining matches over the years – and now with the pair set to face off in three of their next four matches, we could really see them put each other to the test.
Atletico’s late show with two goals in the final two minutes at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday ensured they stayed level with Barca at the top of the table, albeit having played a game more. “The result was fair for both teams, despite the fact that we created plenty of chances”. Third-placed Real Madrid are on 36 points and visit Valencia on Sunday.
Neymar took responsibility instead but slipped as he went to strike the ball, which hit the crossbar but rebounded into the net off the boot of Westermann, who had tried to prevent Ivan Rakitic from getting to the loose ball.
“As a player my philosophy was always to give my all and I never had any regrets when the season ended, and it is the same as a coach”.
Suarez squandered a great opportunity when he struck the upright from an angle after dribbling past Lopez in the 55th. I think they played the way we thought they were going to play.
Barcelona won’t have to wait long to avenge the lost points.
Barca’s next match is against Espanyol in the first leg of the King’s Cup last 16 on Wednesday.
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Celta Vigo, who could have gone fourth with a win, finished the game with 10 men following the sending off of goalkeeper Ruben Blanco for a foul on Nordin Amrabat. “It was the kind of game we expected and they pressed very well, especially at the start of the game”, said Enrique.