It took just seven minutes for Barcelona to edge ahead of their struggling local rivals, as unconvincing marking from a corner allowed Marcos Alonso to meet Andreas Christensen’s header and nod home his first league goal for the Blaugrana.
Xavi Hernandez’s side kept creating chances, with Alonso unable to hit the target from the best of those after latching onto Jordi Alba’s cross. Brian Olivan then raced back superbly to block Raphinha’s shot after Los Periquitos had sloppily conceded possession.
While the derby day intensity grew with referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz flourishing four yellows in six minutes, Nico Melamed got into a dangerous position and threw a step over in an attempt to shake off Sergi Roberto, who was able to deflect his eventual shot wide.
At the other end, Alvaro Fernandez got just enough on Raphinha’s venomous strike to keep it out. There was concern for Barca shortly after the break as Gavi went off with a back problem, and frustration soon followed for Robert Lewandowski as the frontman powered his header wide.
In an even game, Xavi switched both of his wingers with an hour gone, although Ferran Torres headed wide after Ousmane Dembele had forced a corner.
Having done well to stay in the game, Espanyol were awarded a penalty following Alonso’s clumsy challenge on Joselu, who picked himself up to coolly slot his spot kick down the middle.
The match soon descended into chaos as Jordi Alba and Vinicius Souza were sent off while Leandro Cabrera’s red card was rescinded.
As the football resumed following the madness, Fernandez made fantastic saves to deny Christensen and Lewandowski, as Barca regained top spot on goal difference despite their five-match winning league run coming to an end with another Lewandowski attempt being deflected agonisingly wide in the final seconds.
Meanwhile, Espanyol have lost just one of their last seven in all competitions and go a point ahead of the bottom three.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alvaro Fernandez (Espanyol)
