The official stole the show at Camp Nou, handing out a record number of cards for a Liga match as the Blaugrana were held in the derby
Jordi Alba kept talking, barking at a defiant referee. He had just been booked for bickering with the official after a dubious challenge. Not to be deterred, the veteran full back continued to argue. It was, perhaps, just the excuse that the card-happy Antonio Mateu Lahoz needed.
The referee dramatically flashed a second yellow, before brandishing a red to send Alba trudging off the pitch. Another red card and four more yellows followed in the ensuing 15 minutes, as Lahoz let a loose Catalan derby run wild.
The run up to this contest had been marked by controversy. Robert Lewandowski – due to be suspended for three matches – saw his ban delayed after Barca filed an official protest with Spanish footballing authorities. Espanyol released a statement condemning La Liga's decision and announced their executives would be boycotting the game.
And it delivered on the dramatic setup. Marcos Alonso opened the scoring inside 10 minutes with a neat finish from a corner, and Barcelona continued to threaten.
Lewandowski missed narrowly, Ansu Fati curled wide, Alonso fired over from close range and Raphinha fizzed a shot into Alvaro Fernandez's chest, but Barca couldn't find a second.
And they were made to pay as Espanyol stuck in the game and saw their influence grow over the course of the second half. Alonso then handed them a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining, tripping Joselu in the box, who dutifully tucked away the spot kick.
Barcelona pushed for a winner, but couldn't beat Fernandez, who produced a pair of big saves inside the last 10 minutes to earn his team a point after both sides were reduced to 10 men.
Barca, then, miss the chance to go back to the top of the Liga table after Real Madrid's win on Friday, but all eyes were on one man at Camp Nou…
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Pedri:
The Spanish midfielder equipped himelf well in the middle of the park, proving the be the only real cool head in Barca's rotating midfield cast. He completed 90 percent of his passes, and was a threat driving into the final third against a dogged Espanyol unit. Pedri clearly benefits from having Ousmane Dembele on the pitch, and sent a flurry of probing passes towards the Frenchman deep into the second half.
Andreas Christensen:
Joselu was a real handful for Barcelona, but Christensen kept him mostly in control. The Dane was up for the aerial battle with the big Spaniard, and also made some key clearances when Espanyol looked to attack on the break. With Sergi Roberto far from his best, Christensen was also called upon for some extra leg work down his right, which he handled with aplomb. In a game where Barcelona had few standouts, Christensen was a rare bright spot.
The Espanyol board:
Espanyol issued a strongly-worded statement following the suspension of Robert Lewandowski's three-match ban, and announced that their senior executives would not be at the game. And although Barca's No.9 was on the pitch on Saturday, the visitors' board had the last laugh here. Lewandowski endured a difficult afternoon, missing twice from close range and failing to impact the game with his usual fluid link-up play. So, while their complaints were unheard, the source of their gripes failed to impact the game – which isn't a bad thing at all.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers
Ansu Fati:
Halfway into the first half, Ansu Fati cut inside his man, creating what seemed the ideal angle to whip a shot into the far corner from 18 yards out. But he skewed his strike, sending it three yards wide of the post. It was emblematic of a difficult afternoon for the youngster. Preferred to Ferran Torres, Fati offered little on the left wing. Though he didn't lack for energy or industry, his quality on the ball was missing. It was an afternoon of loose touches and poorly-timed passes, with Fati being deservedly substituted on the hour mark.
Jordi Alba
Alba was enjoying a solid showing for 75 minutes. Reliable at the back and constantly darting into the final third, it was a familiar sort of performance. But he let his side down, arguing a clear booking before earning himself a second yellow. Alba should know better as a seasoned veteran of the side. He will now miss the next game, with Alejandro Balde waiting to step in. It's fair to wonder how much longer it will be before it is Alba who is sat waiting for chances behind Balde.
Antonio Mateu Lahoz
What else is there to say? Lahoz was criticised in the World Cup for handing out 16 yellow cards in the quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands, and he was equally eager with his bookings here, too. This was always likely to be a chippy derby, especially given Espanyol's gripes over Lewandowski's inclusion, but Lahoz made it more confrontational than it had to be, handing out at least one unnecessary red card, and offering fairly soft bookings throughout. He actually flashed red three times but saw one chalked off after VAR intervened. Regardless, his 15 confirmed bookings and two red cards broke his own La Liga record.
Getty ImagesBarcelona Ratings: Defence
Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10)
A spectator for most of proceedings, although he did make one important diving stop in the first half. Couldn't do anything about the penalty.
Sergi Roberto (6/10)
Handed a start a few days after expressing his desire to stay at the club long-term. Forgettable showing, but good to get some minutes in.
Andreas Christensen (7/10)
The standout amidst a rough Barca backline. Defended well against the lively Joselu, and grabbed himself an assist on Alonso's opener.
Marcos Alonso (6/10)
Got himself on the scoresheet with a straightforward finish. Gave away a silly penalty to let Espanyol back in it. Still not a solution at centre-back, but looked comfortable deputising once again.
Jordi Alba (5/10)
Fizzed a few crosses into the area, but never found a man. Talked himself into a red card with 20 minutes to play.
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Getty ImagesMidfield
Gavi (6/10)
Didn't complete a single dribble and was physically outmatched in the middle of the park. Substituted after 50 minutes with an apparent injury.
Frenkie de Jong (6/10)
Started as the No.6 but moved to a more advanced position when Gavi was substituted. His influence on the game faded as time went on.
Pedri (7/10)
Broke the lines with marauding dribbles and clever touches. A delight to watch, and deserves credit for not getting dragged into unnecessary confrontation.