For me, Lucho has to start Turan or Rakitic over Denis. Denis and Roberto both aren't adventurous enough and almost always go for the safe pass. Roberto played a great ball at the end and he needs to do that more often as he is acc a very good crosser and passer.
@MSNism Turan in midfield? Nope, nope, nope, only LW. Rakitić has been poor this season, Rafinha has been great though, don't know why Lucho doesn't start him more in that RCM role, did well when he came in today too.
The magic of Messi. In the second half, whenever he got the ball everything he did was perfect. He kept the ball well, dribbling supreme and his passing was also great. The finish for his goal is cheeky and genius. Iniesta was also at his best... Aside from his individual performance for me he makes Barca play like Barca... Starting all those tiki takas. The biggest positive however is the fact that Luis Suarez is coming back into form and that is really crucial for barca's season.
@groovy No, simple stats are not always the most important. If you categorize players by key passes/contributing factors to goals, that's still a statistic - and much more telling.
All the comments below have been far too intelligent and relevant. I can't stand it. Shouldn't some troll have popped up to say some bitter nonsense about "Uefalona" already? You soccer fans who actually respect the sport are ruining this site. You should all feel ashamed.
Espanyol plays very strategycaly, agresivesly against low teams and defensivly versus good teams so I think this will be not as high scoring as you might expect, 2-1 maybe or somethink like that
Espanyol have been very good defensively in the last half dozen games but offensively it is a problem for them don't see how they can trouble Barcelona when it comes to scoring goals.
Alba's goal is a Messi assist, no doubt about that. Messi touches the ball last before it reaches Alba.
For me, Lucho has to start Turan or Rakitic over Denis. Denis and Roberto both aren't adventurous enough and almost always go for the safe pass. Roberto played a great ball at the end and he needs to do that more often as he is acc a very good crosser and passer.
@MSNism Turan in midfield? Nope, nope, nope, only LW. Rakitić has been poor this season, Rafinha has been great though, don't know why Lucho doesn't start him more in that RCM role, did well when he came in today too.
The magic of Messi. In the second half, whenever he got the ball everything he did was perfect. He kept the ball well, dribbling supreme and his passing was also great. The finish for his goal is cheeky and genius. Iniesta was also at his best... Aside from his individual performance for me he makes Barca play like Barca... Starting all those tiki takas. The biggest positive however is the fact that Luis Suarez is coming back into form and that is really crucial for barca's season.
Messi is just unreal ! Great Win against them thugs !
What a game! Every single of those 5 goals was a masterpiece, every single one Thank you for that skullfull performance.
@neumi17 skillfull of course... ;-))
That 2nd half display from Messi though, was on the edge of my seat whenever he got the ball. Simply the GOAT.
Im RM Fan , but i bet on messi to score :)) Thanks Leoooooo :D #respect
Ridiculous stuff from Leo Messi.
Come on WH, Messi should be credited with an assist for the 2nd and 3rd goals...
@Nico1 @Nico1 This is just to show that stats are not always that important in sports.
@groovy No, simple stats are not always the most important. If you categorize players by key passes/contributing factors to goals, that's still a statistic - and much more telling.
@Nico1 His shot was blocked and Suarez scored from the rebound, and the 3rd goal he got tackled or tripped and the ball went to Alba by accident.
@Ala I actually think he passed it to Alaba despite the tackle.
@neumi17 Alaba still plays for the other FCB. Thanks God.
@BeautifulLoser Ups... :-)
@Ala More like fouled, but yes.
Iniesta. Messi. Holy. Crap. :) :)
Well done Gordinhas, but Messi is the MOTM.
Wow, what did Messi just do? Two dribbles around 6 people in 1 Minute = 2 goals
Iniesta and Neymar displayed some nice footwork that you don't see anywhere else. Others " work and run " football, Barcelona celebrates football...
Busquets is sick
hope for atleast a draw Espanyol have some good players like lopez & piatti .moreno & baptistao good luck ESP
@FouziMadridsto17 What do you mean by " at least a draw "...? That is your serious expectation?
4-0 for Barca with Suarez netting twice.
@ernold You were so close. Good call.
Let's finish 2016 with a win boys, vamos !
MSN show today, 3-0
2-0
draw
All the comments below have been far too intelligent and relevant. I can't stand it. Shouldn't some troll have popped up to say some bitter nonsense about "Uefalona" already? You soccer fans who actually respect the sport are ruining this site. You should all feel ashamed.
I think maybe 3-1 and all of MSN to score
@MSNism All exept for Neymar of course...
Neymar to score and end is drought.
-2 for Barcelona, double for Messi and Neymar to score. (final score 3-0)
Espanyol plays very strategycaly, agresivesly against low teams and defensivly versus good teams so I think this will be not as high scoring as you might expect, 2-1 maybe or somethink like that
Espanyol have been very good defensively in the last half dozen games but offensively it is a problem for them don't see how they can trouble Barcelona when it comes to scoring goals.
Man of the Match iniesta perhaps messi
Cant wait to see this derby..messi ll score a hattrick
@Lapulga "big derby" will go one way as always
No room for error. I don't see Barcelona scoring more than 2 or maybe 3. They have to be vigilant in defense as Espanyol has got quick counterattacks.