Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from El Prat as Espanyol welcome Catalan rivals Barcelona for the second leg of their last-16 clash. In truth, Espanyol need a minor miracle to advance from this tie, with Luis Enrique's side currently holding a 4-1 lead from the first leg last week. It would take something extremely special to prevent the holders of the competition from marching into the quarter-finals once again. Kickoff is in just under an hour here!

Not only must Espanyol win tonight, but they must win convincingly. Without stating the absolute obvious, 4-1 would take it into extra-time, but away goals also play a part and two Barcelona goals would leave Espanyol in all sorts of bother. The omens are not exactly great – Espanyol have not beaten Barcelona in their last 14 attempts and were soundly beaten in the first leg.

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona recorded a 4-1 win last week in a match that saw Espanyol have two players sent off in the final 20 minutes. Espanyol actually took the lead on the night through Felipe Caicedo, but ended up losing by three goals. It was a strong performance from the home team, but 4-1 is perhaps a slightly harsh scoreline when considering what occurred throughout the 90 minutes.

This is actually the third time that the two sides have met this month. In addition to that first leg at Camp Nou, the pair met in this very stadium in the league on January 2. On that occasion, the points were shared in what was a fairly-uneventful 0-0 draw. However, you do not have to go too far back to find Barcelona's last win in this stadium – a 2-0 success in April 2015.

© Getty Images

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news. Luis Suarez is suspended for Barcelona tonight, while Hernan Perez and Pape Diop, who were the two Espanyol players sent off in the first leg, will also not play a part. Who has made it then...

TEAMS:

ESP: Bardi; Correa, Ciani, Alvaro, Duarte; Jordan, Abraham, Sevilla, Burgui; Asensio, Caicedo

BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Mascherano, Vermaelen, Mathieu; Turan, Rakitic, Roberto; Vidal, Messi, Munir

As mentioned, both Diop and Perez are suspended for Espanyol tonight, meaning that there are starts for Abraham Gonzalez and Salva Sevilla. Caicedo and Marco Asensio, who combined for Espanyol's opener in the first leg, also keep their spots in the final third. Goalkeeper Pau Lopez was involved in a couple of altercations with Messi during the first leg and the Spaniard has been taken out of the firing line here, leaving on-loan Inter Milan stopper Francesco Bardi between the sticks.

As for Barcelona, Suarez misses out through suspension, while Neymar has been dropped to the bench. That leaves newly-crowned Ballon d'Or Messi to lead the attack with support from Aleix Vidal and Munir El-Haddadi. Arda Turan also keeps his place in the middle of the park after impressing this month and Sergi Roberto has come in for Andres Iniesta. There are also a couple of changes at the back as Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu come in for first-choice defenders Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.

So there we have it. The teams are in and we are now little over 30 minutes from kickoff in Barcelona. As mentioned, it is asking a lot to expect Espanyol to get back into this tie, but the home side will be keen to prove that they can beat their fierce rivals on the night. Whatever competition, fixtures between these two teams are usually entertaining. To be blunt, they just do not like each other.

Barcelona actually kicked off their 2015-16 Copa del Rey campaign at the start of December due to their involvement in the Club World Cup. They were surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at Villanovense, but beat the lower league team 6-1 at Camp Nou to advance. With Real Madrid expelled from the competition, Barcelona will fancy their chances of winning Copa title number 28.

© Getty Images

Indeed, Barcelona are the holders of the Spanish Cup having beaten Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in the final last season. The Catalan giants have been present in five of the last seven finals and understandably, are the favourites to win another crown this season. It is behind both La Liga and the Champions League in terms of importance for Luis Enrique, but it is still a major trophy.

As for Espanyol, this season they will be attempting to win the Copa del Rey for the fifth time in their history, which is the same number as Real Union. Who has won it more times than those two teams? Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and... Real Zaragoza. Come on, hands up, who had Zaragoza, who have won it six times! Nice little quiz question there.

Espanyol have not won the Spanish Cup since 2006, however, when they thumped Zaragoza 4-1 in the final at the Bernabeu. The White and Blues, who were knocked out of last season's Copa by the eventual finalists Athletic Bilbao, beat Levante 3-2 on aggregate in the last round to set up this two-legged affair. That said, they have only won one of their last six games in this competition.

© Getty Images

In terms of recent form, Espanyol will enter the match off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Eibar in the league at the weekend. A run of just one point from their last three matches in Spain's top flight has seen the Catalan side drop to 13th, just six points off the relegation zone. It would be a major surprise if they were pulled into deep trouble, but their recent results have not been good.

Indeed, scoring goals has been a real problem for Constantin Galca's team. They have only netted 17 times in their 19 league matches, which is among the worst records in the division. What's more, only three teams – those currently in the relegation zone – have lost more league games than Espanyol this season. It has not quite been the campaign that the supporters would have expected.

As for Barcelona, they currently sit second in the La Liga table on 42 points, two points behind the leaders Atletico Madrid. Enrique's side do have a game in hand over Atletico, however, and therefore are still in control of their own destiny as things stand. Their Champions League challenge will also continue next month with a two-legged affair against English side Arsenal.

32 - FC Barcelona have scored 32 goals in their last 14 games against Espanyol (all comp) and have only conceded 4. Success — OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 13, 2016

PREDICTION! I actually think that this will be a tight game this evening. Barcelona are without two of their stunning front three - Neymar is on the bench and Suarez suspended - so Espanyol certainly have more of a chance. The fact that the tie is pretty much over also means that there is no real pressure on either side. I think that Barcelona will win, but only just. Barcelona 2-1 for me.

Safe to say that some/most of the Barcelona players are not being well received by the home supporters tonight. Let's just hope this match is not ruined by ill-tempered moments!

KICKOFF! Here we go then - the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Espanyol need a bit of a miracle to turn this Copa del Rey last-16 tie around, but an early goal would at least give them some confidence. Should Barcelona take the lead, however, it would simply be good night and see you soon. Right, the hosts kick us off here...

... not exactly a full house inside the stadium, but there is a good atmosphere. The pitch is also in beautiful condition, which will suit both teams. As expected, it has not taken too long for Barcelona to gain control of the possession. They will always be the dominant team in every football match.

There have been a couple of strong challenges inside the opening four minutes, but the referee has been more than prepared to let the game flow, which is a good sign. Espanyol are actually the team doing most of the probing at the moment as they look for space down each side.

Asensio finds space outside the box before trying his luck, but the on-loan Real Madrid attacker's effort was always moving high of the crossbar. Decent opening from Espanyol here.

The tasty challenges continue to arrive, but the referee is not interested in calls for a card, which is the last thing that this game needs. It would be nice to see a Catalan derby which is dominated by the football and not the cards! Espanyol continue to pass and probe in the final third.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the opening nine minutes, but Espanyol will be pleased with their start. The hosts have been the more dominant in terms of forward passing, with Barcelona just finding their way into the game. Mathieu attempts to over-lap Turan, but the pass just comes too late and the danger is cleared. This is a mix-and-match Barcelona team tonight!

SAVE! Barcelona's best chance of the match thus far falls to Messi, who strikes one on the half-volley just outside the box, but Bardi is on hand to make a really smart save!

Espanyol break forward with Jordan, who finds time and space outside the box, but his long-range strike was always clearing the crossbar. End-to-end football at the moment here.

Just a reminder that Barcelona are currently 4-1 ahead in the tie and therefore the onus is very much on Espanyol to force the issue. The home side actually had more of the ball in the opening 10 minutes, but the visitors have started to find their rhythm as this match gathers pace at El Prat.

Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as both teams battle for possession. It is Barcelona that come away with the ball, but sloppy work from Turan hands it back to the hosts. Caicedo's pace and power in attack continues to cause Barcelona problems here.

Alves decides to have a try for Barcelona after finding space on the right, but his effort was always rising high and wide. Neither side has created a serious chance in the opening 20 mins.

Half-chance for Barcelona as Messi shakes off his marker in a wide position before delivering onto the head of Munir, but the youngster's effort is wide of the post. Should have done better!

SAVE! Messi, as expected, is the player making stuff happen and the Argentine looks for the top corner after a mazy run, but Bardi is once again on hand to make a smart save.

Luis Enrique is just prowling the touchline at the moment and he does not look too pleased. It is no surprise that the Catalan giants are not as free-flowing without Neymar and Suarez - two of the best attackers in the world. Espanyol are full of energy, but are troubling to create at the moment.

Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and the two teams are still level at 0-0 on the night. Barcelona, however, remain 4-1 ahead in the tie. As it stands, they are heading into the quarter-finals and could be joined by Atletico Madrid, who face Rayo Vallecano tomorrow night.

CHANCE! Ciani rises inside the Barcelona box, but his powerful header just flashes wide of the post. Not too sure about the defending from the Spanish champions there!

Barcelona take the lead in the 32nd minute as Messi slides a wonderful pass into Munir, who rounds the goalkeeper before finishing from close range. Super composure from Munir there!

BOOKING! Burgui (Espanyol) is booked for dissent.

Espanyol continue to drive forward and eventually a shooting chance falls to Jordan, but his effort was always straight at Ter Stegen. End-to-end football as we approach the break here.

Well, Barcelona are now 5-1 ahead on aggregate and this tie is over. It is a shame for the neutral, but Barcelona will be able to play this at their own pace in the second period. Just a reminder that there is no more Real Madrid in this season's Copa del Rey after they were expelled!

Messi is chopped down just outside the Espanyol box, but the referee is not interested. That is very lucky for Alvaro, who would have seen at least a yellow card if the foul was given.

BOOKING! Alvaro (Espanyol) is NOW booked for hacking Messi!

Messi takes the resulting free kick, but his effort is straight into the wall. It is almost a surprise when Messi does not score or at least work the goalkeeper from outside the penalty box.

Half-chance for Espanyol as Burgui strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always comfortable for Ter Stegen, who was quickly down to collect before releasing down the field.

BOOKING! Caicedo (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Ter Stegen.

That was nasty from Caicedo, who caught Ter Stegen in the face with his arm. The Barcelona defence, who were closest to the incident, are not happy and there are some handbags out!

SAVE! Caicedo breaks through on the Barcelona goal and attempts to chip Ter Stegen, but the Barcelona stopper stays big and manages to tip the ball over the crossbar. Some save!

Just the one minute of additional time here.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 on the night courtesy of a fine finish from Munir, who collected a pass from Messi before rounding the Espanyol goalkeeper. The hosts have had their moments, but Barcelona have edged it overall.

STATS! As expected, Barcelona have dominated the possession with 67%, while they have had seven attempts - three of which were on target. Espanyol, meanwhile, hit the target with three of their six attempts. There have also been three yellow cards - all for the home side at El Prat.

BENCH WATCH! Espanyol boss Galca has a number of attacking options on his bench this evening, with the likes of Sylla, Moreno and Montanes all capable of making a difference. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Iniesta, Neymar, Alba and Pique. Some bench for the visitors!

RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Barca lead 1-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate. It is the visitors that restart the action here...

... no changes from either side at the break, but I suspect that both managers will make alterations as the second period advances, and indeed for the same reasons. Both Galca and Enrique will already be thinking about their respective La Liga fixtures at the weekend!

It would be nice to see Espanyol play with some freedom in this second period, they have not really got an awful lot to lose from this position. That said, they will not want to open up and risk taking an absolute hiding. Barcelona have the small matter of Neymar on their bench tonight.

There have been some very tasty challenges early in this second period and you sense that there might be another red card between these two teams. It is almost getting silly now!

MATCH PIC! Munir handing Barcelona the lead...

© AFP

Another half-chance for Caicedo as the Espanyol striker breaks through on goal, but his effort never had enough power to beat Ter Stegen, who has been strong between the sticks tonight.

PENALTY SHOUT! Caicedo looks to be through on goal for Espanyol, but he tumbles at the final moment under pressure from Vermaelen and Mascherano. There looked to be contact, but the referee was not interested. Down the other end, Messi cannot poke the ball past Ciani.

It really is an end-to-end game at the moment, with both teams committing players in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals at this stage of the match!

ESPANYOL SUB! Burgui is replaced by Montanes for the home team.

Little over 30 minutes of this second leg remaining and it is a very entertaining game at the moment. In terms of the tie, Barcelona still lead 5-1 and in truth, they had more than one foot in the quarter-finals ahead of this match. A double change is about to take place for the visitors...

... BARCELONA SUBS! Bartra and Adriano replace Vermaelen and Roberto.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but the fierce challenges continue to arrive and the referee will do well to keep the cards in his pocket here.

BOOKING! Sevilla (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Mascherano.

Espanyol are doing their best to force the issue in terms of attacking football, but aside from Caicedo, they do not really have a threat in the final third. Asensio has shown bits and pieces in possession of the ball, but Barcelona are playing the more incisive stuff in the final third of the field.

Messi, fresh from his winning his fifth Ballon d'Or, has just run this game from start to finish. It was the Argentine's pass that set up Munir's opener and he has just been sensational all night.

Luis Enrique must be considering taking Messi off here. The attacker is getting kicked all over the field at the moment and he will not want to risk an injury at such a key stage of the season. That said, Messi is Messi and will not to remain on the field for as long as physically possible!

ESPANYOL SUB! Sevilla is replaced by Sylla.

Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Barcelona are in control of the possession at the moment, with Messi the man in the middle. Turan feeds a pass into Messi and the Argentine lines one up, but Correa is on hand to make a last-ditch challenge.

BOOKING! Vidal (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Sylla.

In fairness to the home supporters, they have backed their team all evening and that remains the case in the latter stages. Duarte breaks forward for the hosts before attempting to deliver a low cross, but Vidal is across to make the block. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining here.

Sylla has provided plenty of energy for Espanyol since entering the field and the number 28 has not been afraid to mix it, which has gone down well with the home supporters!

Not an awful lot happening in terms of clear chances at the moment, but both teams are committing plenty of players every time they break forward. I can still sense another goal here!

ESPANYOL SUB! Moreno replaces Abraham.

Messi is down injured for Barcelona. Panic...

... it was poor from Alvaro, who has already been booked. The centre-back stood on Messi's foot following a coming-together. Good news, however, the Barcelona attacker is back on his feet.

BOOKING! Rakitic (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.

Well, Espanyol need five goals in the final seven minutes or so if they are to take this tie into extra-time. You can get good odds, but I would not recommend it to be honest. Long shot!

Moreno breaks through on the Barcelona goal and chips one just wide of the post, but the striker was in an offside position and it would have not have counted. Good run nonetheless.

BOOKING! Adriano (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Sylla.

The stadium is starting to empty as the supporters make their way toward the exits here. It has been a good game, but it does appear that Barcelona are going to triumph once again tonight.

Barcelona have their second of the evening as Munir converts a low cross from Vidal. Good night for the visitors and a great night for Munir, who has scored twice for his team tonight.

Just one minute of additional time here.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to score a third as Messi slides a super pass into Vidal, but instead of shooting, the Spaniard fires across goal and the danger is cleared for a corner!

Messi then strikes one on the volley and forces a smart save from the Espanyol stopper!

So there we have it. Barcelona book their spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win over Espanyol. The holders have advanced 6-1 on aggregate and in truth, they were far superior over the two legs. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!