MX23RW : Wednesday, November 6 00:15:43| >> :120:5906:5906:
[monks data]
Barcelona logo
La Liga
Nov 1, 2013 at 8pm UK
 
Espanyol logo

1-0

Sanchez (68')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Alexis Sanchez goal seals win for Barcelona

Alexis Sanchez scores in the second half to give Barcelona a 1-0 win over Espanyol in La Liga.

A second-half goal from Alexis Sanchez has secured all three points for Barcelona in their La Liga clash with Espanyol this evening.

Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez celebrates with teammate Neymar after scoring the opening goal against Espanyol on November 1, 2013© Getty Images

The visitors started well as David Lopez looked to create a chance inside the opening two minutes, before Victor Sanchez stole the ball away from Andres Iniesta, but was unable to set up Thievy Bifouma.

The Spanish champions struggled to get their attack going in the opening stages of the match, running at their opponents, but rarely getting in behind their back four.

Neymar carved out a chance for Lionel Messi 17 minutes in, but the Argentine's finish was blocked by Hector Moreno.

Moreno prevented another potential goal-scoring opportunity later in the opening half as Alexis Sanchez tried to tap in from a Dani Alves cross.

Barcelona finished the first half strongly, with Iniesta testing Francisco Casilla before Sergio Busquets struck the post, but they could not break the deadlock before the half-time whistle.

After a quiet spell in the second half, Messi came close to giving the home side the lead as he looked to head in from an Alves delivery, but Casilla was able to tip it wide.

Sanchez was able to give Barcelona the lead in the 68th minute, turning the ball into the net from a well-placed Neymar cross.

The visitors responded well, with Sergio Garcia finding Gabriel Torje inside the Barcelona penalty area, but Gerard Pique was able to get the block in.

Garcia had a chance himself inside the final 10 minutes, attempting to curl the ball into the top corner, but Victor Valdes made the save to protect the home side's lead.

Pedro almost doubled the lead in stoppage time, evading Espanyol's defenders before smashing the ball towards goal, but Casilla was able to punch the ball behind.

The result leaves Barcelona four points clear at the top of the table.

ID:115080: cacheID:115080:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4999:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Neymar celebrates with his team-mates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou on October 26, 2013
Read Next:
Preview: Barcelona vs. Espanyol
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!