Toiling Barcelona survived two main scares to achieve the break stage at Espanyol on an evening when victory would give Hansi Flickβs facet the La Liga title with two matches to spare.
Espanyol confirmed their swift counter-attacking skills 4 minutes in on the RCDE Stadium, the place Roberto Fernandez threaded Urko Gonzalez by on objective for the recipient to roll a end narrowly broad.
Visiting goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny then made a superb save at full stretch to show Javi Puadoβs strike behind after the ahead broke clear by the center.
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Espanyol vs Barcelona
Barcelona have scored 95 league objectives this season and loved the overwhelming majority of possession earlier than the break however might solely produce a solitary try on track.
Espanyol, who will not be mathematically away from relegation, discovered house to assault inside opposition territory with ease at occasions, repeatedly threatening whereas sometimes not profiting from inviting alternatives.
Within the absence of suspended centre-back Inigo Martinez, Barca fielded an unfamiliar again 4 of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin, who was changed by Alejandro Balde at half-time, as a part of a vulnerable-looking defensive show.
Some extent would transfer Barcelona 5 factors away from second-placed Actual Madrid and realistically needing a degree from their remaining two fixtures due to their 23-goal superiority.
The reigning champions got here from behind to beat Mallorca 2-1 at home on Wednesday by Kylian Mbappeβs equaliser and Jacobo Ramonβs Ninety fifth-minute winner.
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When will Barcelona win La Liga?
Ought to they not beat Espanyol, Barca can win their twenty eighth La Liga crown at house in opposition to fifth-placed Villarreal on Sunday (18:00 BST).
Madrid are concurrently away to 14th-placed Sevilla earlier than internet hosting midtable Actual Sociedad of their remaining sport of the season.
Barcelona are away to an Athletic Membership facet chasing Champions League qualification of their closing fixture, by which period Flick will hope to have change into a champion in his first season in Spain.
