Espanyol 0-0 Barcelona : 5 talking points
Defending La Liga champions Barcelona got their new year off with a whimper as they drew for a third time in the last four league games after being held to a surprise 0-0 stalemate by a gritty Espanyol.Having just wrapped up a memorable 2015, the Catalans were handed a sharp reality check by the Periquitos, who played arguably their best football of the season. Just 1 win in the last 5 fixtures had set the alarm bells ringing at the Cornella El-Prat, but their performance today caught everyone by surprise.Considering that the Blaugrana have been sauntering through the Catalan derbies in the recent memory, a win today was very much expected. But the visitors, instead, cut a frustrated figure and were left stalled in their tracks.The draw gives an opportunity for the Madrid clubs to trim the gap more, albiet, having played a game more. Here are some of the talking points from the Derbi Barceloni.
#1 New year, new blow
Reigning European champions Barcelona managed to cast their minds off the disappointing draws to Deportivo and Valencia last month by claiming the Club World Cup. On returning, they even managed to get back to winning ways after beating Betis black and blue, but the new year has thrown up a new surprise on the face of the mighty Catalans.
Ever since the 2-1 defeat to Espanyol at Camp Nou back in 2009, Barcelona have dominated the Catalonia derbies most of the times in the subsequent games. Espanyol have always been mid-table minnows whereas Barcelona are always the biggest favourites in the division. The chasm between the two teams from the Catalonian community often reflected on the scores.
The Blanquiazules were touted to be run over by the Barca juggernaut today, but they managed to catch everyone on a hop by an encouraging display. At this stage last year, Messi and co. lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad at the Anoenta, but went on to win the treble at the end of the season. They might just look up to that for inspiration after their disappointing outing today.