In this Catalan derby of the 35th day of Liga, FC Barcelona disposed of the Espanyol at Camp Nou (1-0). A victory that allows the Blaugranas to temporarily return to a point of Real Madrid, while the Pericos, with their defeat, will play in Division 2 next season.
A derby almost of extremes. On the occasion of the 35th day of Liga, FC Barcelona (2nd, 73 points) and Espanyol (20th, 24 units) crossed iron on Wednesday evening on the lawn of Camp Nou. After victory against Villarreal (4-1) on Sunday, the reigning Spanish champion wanted to continue to come back to a point from Real Madrid, who will challenge Alavés on Friday evening (10 p.m.). But above all, you should not miss out on pain of seeing the Casa Blanca with a maximum of seven points ahead of Friday evening.
Opposite, the other Catalan formation had to impose itself so as not to officially descend to the second division.
If Quique Setien still trusted his executives with his trio Messi-Suarez-Griezmann in front and Rakitic in place of Vidal, Francisco Rufete made four changes to his starting lineup after the defeat at home against Leganés (0-1) .
As expected, the Blaugranas took possession of the ball but the visitors were not shaky and were trying to hit the ball. Found in the back of the defense, Embarda appeared against Ter Stegen who saved Barça (10th) on the first opportunity of the match.
Messi’s response was too shy (14th) and Roca ran into Pique on a new opportunity for Espanyol (16th). But after this interesting start to the match, the pace fell.
Ansu Fati kicked out after four minutes of play.
If Quique Setien’s men kept the leather, the opportunities were not numerous. Messi did not fit his free kick (23rd) while Suarez, well served by Griezmann, made the wrong choice by taking his time and was barely countered (25th).
And behind, nothing more interesting until the break. Except on the side of Espanyol since on a cons, Didac Vila found the post of Ter Stegen (44th)! With this score of 0-0 at halftime, Quique Setien reacted by launching Fati in place of Semedo (Sergi Roberto then returned to defense). But the 17-year-old winger didn’t stay long on the lawn.
