Barcelona had thrashed their neighbourhood opponents 5-1 in this exact fixture last season but this season's contest would tell a different story as Mauricio Pochettino's men produced a bold and determined display to claim a deserved point. David Villa and Ibrahim Afellay were Barcelona's only long-term casualties as Pep Guardiola was allowed to pick from a first-choice starting eleven, naming the same side which claimed that vital 3-1 victory in the El Clasico.
Roared on by a fervent home support, Espanyol started the brightest and nearly opened the scoring in the fifth minute when they were twice thwarted by Barcelona's rearguard. Victor Valdes came to his side's rescue when he palmed away Verdú's header at the back post and Gerard Pique was then on hand to make a goal-saving clearance when Verdú's second attempt had left Valdes stranded.
Barcelona were then disallowed a goal after Messi had intercepted Cristian Álvarez's goalkick and squared the ball for Cesc Fabregas who tapped into an empty net but the sharp eyes of the assistant spotted an infringement claiming the ball struck Messi's arm and the Argentinian was harshly cautioned.
However, Fabregas did claim his fourteenth goal of the season only moments later when he directed a header into the corner of the Espanyol net to send Los Blaugranes 1-0 ahead. Barcelona, in typical free-flowing fashion, spread the ball from the left to the right hand flank where Dani Alves delivered a sumptuous cross and the former Arsenal captain burst into the box to send a bullet-header past Álvarez who would perhaps feel that he could have got a stronger hand to the effort. Nonetheless, it was a well-crafted opening goal for Guardiola's side, who have looked vulnerable on their travels this season, with Fabregas proving to be a more and more valuable asset each time he plays. Goals in his first El Clasico and Catalan derby matches are a testament to his blossoming ability.
Sergio García stung the palms of Valdes with a long-range effort after the restart as Espanyol worked tirelessly to stamp their authority on the game. Eric Abidal was then on hand to produce a fantastic block to deny Thievy Bufoum as Los Periquitos continued to pour forward in numbers. Andres Iniesta and an outrageous piece of skill from Fabregas nearly extended Barcelona's lead but the half ended with the Catalan champions in front although they were certainly not home and dry.
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