Two first-half goals have given Barcelona a 2-0 win over local rivals Espanyol in La Liga, despite the visitors playing most of the second half a man short.
Neymar threatened from the start as he forced a save from Francisco Casilla inside the first three minutes, before slicing the ball over a few minutes later.
Luis Suarez also tested the Espanyol keeper inside the opening 15 minutes, but it was Neymar who broke the deadlock when the Uruguayan flicked theball on for him, leaving him to slide it into the bottom corner.
Lionel Messi made it two for Barcelona less than 10 minutes later when Suarez found him at the far past with a low cross, setting up the Argentine for a simple tap in.
The visitors had a chance to extend their lead early in the second half as Neymar charged forward again, but Casilla was ready to deny the Brazilian.
Espanyol were handed a lifeline though as Jordi Alba earned a booking for kicking the ball away, before picking up a second yellow for arguing with the referee moments later.
Despite being down to 10 men, Barcelona continued to look the more likely as Messi rounded several defenders before curling the ball forward the bottom corner, only to see the ball come back off the post.
Suarez linked up with Neymar again as Luis Enrique’s side continued to try to put the victory beyond doubt, but the striker’s finish was sliced high of the crossbar.
Neymar continued to find gaps in the Espanyol’s defence, battling through before setting up Messi, but Alvaro got back to make the block.Claudio Bravohad to make a rare save in the final 10 minutes as Lucastried to chip the ball past the Barcelona keeper, but he got his fingertips to it to keep it out.
Espanyol continued to look for the goal when they got the chance in the closing stages, but Sergio Garcia’s flick on for Christian Stuani resulted in an easy stop for Bravo.
The hosts also finished a man short asHector Moreno was given his marching orders deep in stoppage time for dissent, but the referee blew the full-time whistle just moments later.
The result leaves Barcelona five points clear at the top of the table, while Espanyol sit 10th.
