Barcelona

Barcelona has stumbled in its first game since a seven-week World Cup break after being held 1-1 by Espanyol at Camp Nou in a derby that finished with both ...

Mateu handed out 15 bookings, including the two second yellow cards, in the Catalan derby. Espanyol goalkeeper Álvaro Fernández, recalled by Martínez to the starting lineup for the first time since October, impressed with key saves down the final stretch. Joselu stepped up to the penalty spot and drilled his shot down the middle beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen. They are generous in helping one another and stick to the plan even when things are not going our way. Espanyol criticized the decision, taken a day before the game, saying it caused “irreparable harm.” But dropping points at home against a side just one point above the relegation zone was not in coach Xavi Hernández’s plans.

One of the calling cards for Barcelona since Xavi Hernandez took over is not being able to put a game away. Far too often this season, the Catalan side takes ...

Regardless, that his substitutes only serve to destabilize the team should be worrying for Xavi. The second one came following a foul and he said something to Lahoz as Barcelona was preparing the wall. Barcelona started the game with Ansu Fati and Raphinha on the wings. The first one came following the penalty where, for some reason, he took exception to the way the Espanyol players celebrated. Much of the talk is going to focus on the decisions made by Lahoz. One of the calling cards for Barcelona since Xavi Hernandez took over is not being able to put a game away.