Barcelona lost their margin for error as Espanyol held them to a derby draw that breathes new life into La Liga. After last weeks dismantling of Real Madrid in their own backyard, many expected Barca to motor on unscathed to Liga glory. But their derby rivals had other ideas as they got stuck into the visitors, backed by a vociferous Cornella crowd. Baena and Forlin were monstruous in the middle of the park, as Xavi, Messi and Busquets were continually hounded in possession. Barca struggled to get into their stride from the off and were a shadow of the side that saw off Arsenal and Real Madrid in recent weeks. That said, Pep Guardiola and his players certainly have grounds for complaint regarding referee Undiano Mallencos performance, as Dani Alves was sent off for two innocuous fouls, whereas Espanyol were allowed to get away with numerous robust challenges which served to halt many of Barcas attacks.
Even so, Mauricio Pochettino must take great credit for setting up his side to frustrate Barca, with his 4-2-3-1 formation preventing Leo Messi and Xavi from being allowed to impose themselves on the match. Infact it was only the second time this season that Barcelona were prevented from scoring, with only Valencia managing that feat on matchday seven. Though having played for half an hour with a man less, Guardiola may well see this as a point well won, with Real Madrid still having to gain three points from a tricky home match against Valencia to make the most of this slip-up. But with trips to Villarreal and Sevilla still to negotiate for Barcelona, this league is still far from over. If Real Madrid do pick up the win tomorrow, and with Inter Milan still to come in the Champions League for Barca between league matches, La Liga will be thrown wide open, and with the easier run-in, Manuel Pellegrinis men will really fancy their chances. HAY LIGA!
Villarreal 2 - 1 Atletico Madrid
(1-0) 21' Godin, (2-0) 43' Rossi, (2-1) 64' Agüero
Sevilla 3 - 0 Sporting Gijon
(1-0) 7' Kanoute, (2-0) 53' Fabiano, (3-0) 84' Cala