Barcelona continue marching clear with win over Girona
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Your support makes all the difference.Barcelona won its eighth straight Spanish league game as Lionel Messi scored in a 2-0 win at 10-man Girona on Sunday.
Barcelona kept its five-point lead over Atletico Madrid with Messi grabbing his 10th goal in a seven-game scoring streak in the league. He was left all alone to chip the ball over goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 69th minute.
The Spanish league had originally wanted to play the match in the United States, but the plan fell through. Instead of traveling 7,500 kilometers (4,600 miles) to Miami, Barcelona went 100 kilometers (60 miles) to Girona's Montilivi Stadium.
Right back Nelson Semedo gave Barcelona the ninth-minute lead when a loose ball fell to him in the area, and he used his left leg to rifle it inside the post. It was only his second goal in his second season with the Catalan club.
But Girona stifled Barcelona's attack and threatened to equalize on several occasions through striker Cristian Stuani.
Stuani's best chance came late in the first half when Marc-Andre ter Stegen got low to block his shot. Teammate Pere Pons came close to finishing off the rebound, only for Gerard Pique to clear his shot from the line.
The hosts lost defender Bernardo Espinosa to a second yellow card in the 52nd after he fouled Luis Suarez. But Girona still gave Barcelona trouble until coach Ernesto Valverde sent on Arthur for Arturo Vidal.
With Arthur helping in the midfield, Barcelona took control. Suarez then played Jordi Alba clear down the left, where the defender found Messi at the top of the box with only Bounou to beat.
Messi's goal was his competition-leading 19th of the season.
Messi was back in Barcelona's starting 11 after getting some rest in the previous two matches. He scored as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Leganes last weekend, and then was left off the squad in a 2-0 loss at Sevilla in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona hosts Sevilla in the return leg of their cup quarterfinal on Wednesday.
What time does it start?
Girona vs Barcelona kicks off at 3:15pm (GMT) on Sunday 27th January.
Where can I watch it?
Girona vs Barcelona will be shown live on Eleven Sports 1 from 3:10pm (GMT).
Highlights will be on the Eleven Sports website after the match.
Player to watch…
Ivan Rakitic: The 30-year-old has been a mainstay in Barcelona’s midfield all season. The playmaker has only scored twice in the league, but his creativity has been integral to Barcelona’s impressive record. He may play alongside new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng in midfield.
Form guide…
Girona: DDDDLL
Barcelona: WLWWWL
Odds…
Girona to win: 7/1
Barcelona to win: 33/100
Draw: 17/4
Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid
70 minutes
Benzema has been superb tonight. He creates another chance, this time for Carvajal, with a clever pass, but the full back can't beat Lopez with his finish.
Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid
72 minutes
Varane is sent off after bringing down Pablo Piatti, who was running clean through on goal. Espanyol appeared down and out, but perhaps there's a glimmer of hope for them now.
Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid
74 minutes
Chaos at the back for Real. Casemiro is dispossessed in his own box and Garcia hits a looping shot over Courtois. Carvajal is there to block on the line before Sergi Darder's rebound is saved.
Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid
76 minutes
Oscar Melendo replaces Sergi Darder for Espanyol.
Real make a change too: Marcelo on for Modric.
Espanyol 1-4 Real Madrid
77 minutes
Espanyol have come to life since the red card, but it's probably too little too late. Garcia gets another shot off inside the box but it's straight into the hands of Courtois.
GOAL! Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid (Rosales)
82 minutes
Espanyol have some hope. Roberto Rosales chests a ball over the top and smashes a volley past Courtois. It's an excellent finish, although it was originally ruled out for offside. The goal is given, though, with the help of VAR.
Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid
85 minutes
Courtois rushes out to clear with Piatti bearing down on goal. Espanyol have really taken the game to Real since Varane's dismissal. The visitors, who looked completely out of sight after Bale's goal, are now without both of their first choice centre backs and struggling to cope at the back.
Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid
88 minutes
Vazquez, played in by Kroos, has a chance to seal the points. But he can't connect with his shot and Lopez saves easily.
Espanyol 2-4 Real Madrid
89 minutes
Nacho is in the book for a late challenge. Espanyol are running out of time, but Real's defending is frantic.
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