LaLiga Probable Line-Ups: Week 4

LaLiga Probable Line-Ups: Week 4

EIBAR-LEGANES (Friday, 21:00 - all times CET)

LEVANTE-VALENCIA (Saturday, 13:00)

GETAFE-BARCELONA (Sat, 16:15)

BETIS-DEPORTIVO (Sat, 18:30)

ATLETICO-MALAGA (Sat, 20:45)

ALAVES-VILLARREAL (Sunday, 12:00)

GIRONA-SEVILLA (Sun, 16:15)

LAS PALMAS-ATHLETIC (Sun, 18:30)

R. SOCIEDAD-R. MADRID (Sun, 20:45)

ESPANYOL-CELTA (Monday, 21:00)

LaLiga still full of unbeaten teams

LaLiga still full of unbeaten teams

Not since 2002/03 have eight LaLiga teams made it to Week 4 of the season without being beaten.

Heading into the weekend; Barcelona, Levante, Valencia, Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Real Madrid have all managed to avoid that sinking feeling thus far.

However it's not all positive news as both Real and Atletico hold great uncertainties following two disappointing draws amongst a single win.

Barcelona and Sociedad are the only to have claimed victory in all three games of the 2017/18 campaign to this point, while the Catalans are joined by Athletic as the only teams yet to concede.

This has only happened once before in LaLiga's 20-team period, which also involved Barcelona, Madrid, Atletico, La Real and Valencia as part of the successful eight.

By the end of that campaign, only Real Madrid and Real Sociedad ended up in the Champions League places and the two do battle at Estadio Anoeta this weekend, along with fellow unbeaten teams Valencia and Levante.

The Valverde effect

The Valverde effect

Neymar left him, he didn't sign Inigo Martinez, Real Madrid beat him in the Spanish Super Cup, the transfer market closure did not bring him any new players... but Barcelona are still under the bewitching spell of Ernesto Valverde.

To top it off, the team has disconnected with the management of Josep Maria Bartomeu, who still has a motion of censorship hanging over him.

The coach could never have imagined a reception quite like this but to his credit, Valverde has taken advantage of the situation using his experience.

In all of his speeches to the media he has shown great serenity, and has also transmitted that calm to the squad.

He has applied common sense where required too, which has meant that players like Messi, Alba, Iniesta, Rakitic and Semedo are already showing their best version.

1. Still positive after the transfer window.

Robert Fernandez was in charge of breaking the news to Valverde that there were no new signings at the end of the transfer window.

"We are, and will remain, calm," was the coach's response.

2. Messi is free.

For a new coach, the face-to-face with Lionel Messi is no easy task but Valverde has managed it with skill and without great fuss.

The result offers no doubts: eight goals and six shots against the woodwork.

3. Relying on Rakitic.

Valverde has opted for Ivan Rakitic, a footballer for whom Luis Enrique made life impossible the previous season, and has given him confidence by making him a starter from the beginning.

As such, the Croatian is responding.

4. Use the best players.

Valverde has used his best players in every game, leaving no room to doubt his preferred XI.

5. A winger called Alba.

The great beneficiary of Neymar's departure as he has already made the left wing his own.

6. The friendly face.

When Barcelona's board began looking at coaches, one of the required qualities was to maintain composure in the press conferences.

Valverde has stoically endured the harassment of the media in the absence of new signings, the doubts created by the team in the Super Cup games and the anger of club members.

7. The ball is King.

Valverde has returned to the essence of Barcelona's game.

His teams go hunting for the ball, caress it and use it well both in attack and defence.

8. The importance of Iniesta.

Valverde believes Iniesta is remarkable and the reason that the captain is still hesitating to sign his renewal is because he needs to continue to feel important to the team.

The coach has proven that to be the case as he has always given Iniesta a starting berth.

Messi ties up the loose ends

Messi ties up the loose ends

Although the list consisting of teams that Lionel Messi hasn't scored against isn't that long, the Argentinian has managed to cross Juventus out after beating Gianluigi Buffon twice on Tuesday.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter and Benfica are the teams that remain to have held firm against an onslaught from the No.10.

Messi has faced the London club eight times, only managing a single win along with five draws and two defeats.

He also couldn't find the net in two games against Liverpool and Benfica respectively, and three against Inter.

The Champions League returns!

The Champions League returns!

Thirty two teams from 17 different federations - England (5), Spain (4), Germany, Italy and Portugal (3), France and Russia (2) and Ukraine, Switzerland, Greece, Belgium, Turkey, Scotland, Cyprus, Holland, Slovenia and Azerbaijan (1) - yes, the Champions League returns.

From September 12 to May 26, 2018, each team will do battle in order to be the one who lifts the trophy in Kiev.

Real Madrid, champion of the last two editions, will have more competition than ever to defend the title.

Their main threat comes from Spain with Barcelona, Atletico and Sevilla though Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United will also have something to say.

Almost all eyes will be on Paris, however, and the European premiere of the glamorous 'MCN' (Mbappe-Cavani-Neymar).

Qarabag and RB Leipzig are two debutants in the competition and all you have to do is sit down and enjoy the best club competition in the world.

GROUP A

Basel

Benfica

CSKA Moscow

Manchester United

GROUP B

Anderlecht

Bayern

Celtic

PSG

GROUP C

El Clasico Real Madrid vs Barcelona will be played on December 23 at 13:00 CET

El Clasico Real Madrid vs Barcelona will be played on December 23 at 13:00 CET

Supporters of both Real Madrid and Barcelona will get an early Christmas present as the first El Clasico of the season has been scheduled for 13:00 CET on Saturday, December 23.

The match was originally due to be played on Wednesday, December 20 but Los Blancos play the Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates during the previous weekend and so have been given extra rest.

Javier Tebas was the guest on the program 'El Transistor' and confirmed the date of the fixture at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, which corresponds to the 17th week of league matches.

"The first Barcelona-Madrid game in LaLiga will be played on Saturday, December 23 at 13.00," he said.

Questioned on the change of date and time, Tebas was up front as to his reasons.

"The only thing that has to be explained is that Mediapro's offer was the best that came to LaLiga," he continued.

There have been recent suggestions that an independent Catalonia could see Barcelona drop out of LaLiga, something Tebas wouldn't countenance.

"LaLiga would be hurt if Barcelona didn't play in it," he said.

"But the Law of Sport is clear in the case of independence; Barcelona could not choose as only Spanish teams can play in LaLiga."

Arbeloa: In three games, Real Madrid have as many red cards as Barcelona in two seasons

Arbeloa: In three games, Real Madrid have as many red cards as Barcelona in two seasons

As Real Madrid's frustration with refereeing grows, former defender Alvaro Arbeloa admitted that the club may have reason to be angered.

In addition to having Cristiano Ronaldo red carded in the Supercopa de Espana, Los Blancos have had two men sent off in three LaLiga games, with Sergio Ramos and Marcelo both being shown a red card early.

"I think the president spoke very well about it the other day when he said that [referees] have made big improvements and fans would agree," he said.

"However, it hurts and it is painful to see that in three games, Real have the same amount of players sent off as Barcelona have in two years.

"The data and numbers are there and they speak for themselves."

Although there is some early concern given that Real have picked up one win from their opening three league games, Arbeloa isn't too concerned and pointed to last season as a reason for why he is so calm.

"Last year, the team drew for four games in a row, which is a lot," continued Arbeloa. "The team knows that they can't keep doing this but they have gone through similar situations before and will move forward."

In addition to concern about the lack of points, there is also a worry that it could be directly linked to an over reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is sidelined through suspension.

"Of course, the odds of winning are increased when you have Cristiano in the team," the ex-Liverpool man said. "With this Real Madrid team though, something they are not lacking is scoring power.

"With players like [Gareth] Bale, [Marco] Asensio, Isco and others, there are plenty of guys who can step up and score goals."

Barcelona return to training with Juventus in mind

Barcelona return to training with Juventus in mind

fter the 5-0 derby thrashing of Espanyol, Barcelona were back in training on Sunday preparing for the Champions League.

On Tuesday, they take on Juventus in their first group game with the Italian champions visiting Camp Nou.

The men who started against Espanyol performed their usual recovery session, while the rest of the squad and goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta trained at a greater intensity.

Midfielders Sergi Roberto, Rafinha and Asda Turan all continued their rehabilitation from their respective injuries.

Valverde tightens up Barcelona and Messi does the rest

Valverde tightens up Barcelona and Messi does the rest

At the start of a season which has been somewhat complicated by everything else around Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde has preferred to focus on sporting matters.

Only by continuing to perform well on the field can they alleviate some of the tension and dark cloud which has hung over the boardroom.

With three matches played in LaLiga, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has still not had to pick the ball out of the back of his net yet.

Valverde has tightened up his team and has achieved something which the Catalan club have not managed since the 2014/15 campaign when they beat Elche, Villarreal and Athletic in the first three games of the season.

Last season, they started by conceding two goals against Real Betis in their season opener, although managed a 6-2 win, while Atletico scored a goal during Barcelona's victory at the Vicente Calderon on match day three.

With Lionel Messi in imperious form once again, Valverde is aware that improving his defensive numbers will give Barcelona an excellent chance.

So far, he has used Javier Mascherano and Samuel Umtiti against Betis before opting for the Frenchman and Gerard Pique at Alves, a partnership that was repeated against Espanyol.

Next to Athletic, Valverde's former team who have yet to play on match day three, Barcelona are the only team who have not conceded a goal so far.

One of the keys to this goes beyond the centre-backs though as Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic perform their defensive duties exceptionally.

On the other hand, Messi is focused only on goals and seems to be more determined than ever to keep Barcelona challenging at the top.

Of the 10 goals that Barcelona have scored in official games this season, Messi has scored six of them.

Things may have changed around him with Neymar leaving and Ousmane Dembele arriving but nothing has changed for 'La Pulga'.

Footballers can come and go at Barcelona but Messi remains the main man and as good as ever, overcoming all rivals before him with ease.

After a difficult start to the campaign, there is now much more grounds for hope at Barcelona.

Robert Fernandez: Iniesta will stay with Barcelona

Robert Fernandez: Iniesta will stay with Barcelona

Ahead of Barcelona's derby clash with Espanyol on Saturday evening, Los Cules' director of football, Robert Fernandez, confirmed that Andres Iniesta will remain with the club.

Speculation surrounding the Spanish midfielder's future has been rife of late after the 33-year-old publicly refuted claims made by president Josep Maria Bartomeu that suggested a contract extension had been agreed.

In an interview with Movistar, Robert made clear that he believes Iniesta will stay at the Camp Nou and that he will give the club many more memorable moments.

"The situation is that he [Iniesta] will stay with us, we are talking about a very special player for everyone," he said.

"Andres is very special because he was born here in a footballing sense and I am convinced he will give us many more memorable moments."

Barcelona's transfer market activity has been the source of much frustration for a large section of the club's fan-base over the course of the summer.

Neymar's departure was understandably not well received whilst only Ousmane Dembele, Paulinho and Nelson Semedo have arrived as first-team members.

Robert was quick to point out that despite it not being the perfect window, there was little more the Blaugrana could have done differently.

"It has been a busy summer in a lot of respects, some parts haven't been good and we had to adapt and move very quickly," he continued.

"Other clubs had information that illustrated the situation we were in and this helped them, the reality is that sometimes you can't change things even if we would have liked to."

Arda Turan's departure was expected and it looked as if a return to Turkey was on the cards until the player refused to leave the Camp Nou.

With a lot of speculation regarding the exact reasons why Turan refused to leave having filled column inches in recent days, the 55-year-old refused to add fuel to the fire.

"The players that are here are the ones we want to be here and I'm not going to talk anymore about other situations,' he noted.

"There is too much information already out there and I don't want to provide anymore."

Messi leads the Barca romp

Messi leads the Barca romp

Ahat-trick from Lionel Messi earned Barcelona a 5-0 victory over Espanyol on Saturday night at the Camp Nou to make it a perfect three wins in three matches to open the 2017-18 LaLiga season.

Messi struck in the 26th, 35th and 67th minutes, while Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez added late scores to help Barcelona navigate through what is usually a tricky fixture against their city rivals. The match also marked the debut of record signing Ousmane Dembele, who came on as a second half substitute and gave a glimpse or two of his game-breaking potential, including the assist on the Suarez goal.

Despite a few shaky moments in the back, Barcelona will also draw plenty of confidence from their third straight clean sheet. While things looked fairly bleak in Catalonia in the early days of the post-Neymar era, Barcelona have settled into a nice rhythm in league play under new boss Ernest Valverde, with Messi leading the way.

Barcelona had a solid start, with Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez having the first chances at goal. But of course it had to be Messi who opened the scoring for the hosts.

Rakitic threaded a ball into the Argentine, and after making a slight move to his left, Messi fired in past Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez to hand Barcelona a 1-0 lead. Replays showed that Messi was in an offside position when he received the pass from Rakitic, nevertheless the call was missed by the linesman and the goal stood.

Espanyol looked to gain a foothold in the contest and for a few minutes had the Barcelona defence on their heels, but the result was that the Pericos left themselves vulnerable in the back, and Barcelona took full advantage.

Messi and Jordi Alba broke downfield, and surrounded by four Espanyol players, Messi tried to cut to his right but was blocked by Victor Sanchez. The deflection fell for Alba on the left, who quickly fed a pass back into Messi and the Argentine slipped a shot past Aaron Martin and under Pau Lopez for the 2-0 lead.

With the two-goal lead, Barcelona were in control but still had to be wary of Espanyol's dangerous attackers, one of them being Pablo Piatti, who hit the post with a left-footer after an attempted clearance from Pique.

There were more nervy moments from the Barcelona defence, and Alba inexplicably gifted a chance to Piatti, who incredulously watched on as his chip floated over the head of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen but wide of the far post. Ten minutes later it was Leo Baptistao set to score for the visitors and only a last-second block from Samuel Umtiti prevented the goal.

The moment that the Camp Nou had been waiting for all evening finally came shortly after the hour-mark when Dembele shed his substitute's bib and approached the fourth official to make his debut. The former Borussia Dortmund then had the best view in the house of Barcelona's third goal, which started with a back-heel from Messi to Suarez and eventually ended with Alba playing a quick pass back to Messi who one-timed it in for a 3-0 lead.

With the match all but done and dusted, Barcelona were keen to tack on another goal or two, but Espanyol also sought a consolation goal and Didac nearly surprised Ter Stegen with a long-range effort.

In the waning minutes though, Barcelona would find both a fourth and fifth goal, as Pique headed in a corner kick and then moments later Dembele recorded his first Barcelona assist when he crossed for Suarez, who finished with a left-footer for the 5-0 scoreline.

Up next for Barcelona is their 2017-18 Champions League opener against last season's finalists Juventus.

Match Sheet:

5.- FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Busquets (Paulinho, min. 73), Rakitic, Iniesta (Andre Gomes, min. 77); Messi, Luis Suarez, Deulofeu (Dembele, min. 67).

0.- Espanyol: Pau Lopez; Mario Hermoso, Diop, David Lopez, Aaron; Victor Sanchez (Navarro, min. 68), Javi Fuego, Darder (Didac, min. 75); Baptistao, Gerard Moreno, Piatti (Sergio Garcia, min. 58).

Goals: 1-0, min. 26: Messi; 2-0, min. 35: Messi; 3-0, min. 67: Messi; 4-0, min. 87: Pique; 5-0, min. 89: Suarez

Referee: Gil Manzano (Extremadura). Yellow Cards: Busquets (Min. 21) for Barcelona; David Lopez (Min. 29) for Barcelona, Victor Sanchez (Min. 60) for Espanyol, Darder (Min. 71) for Espanyol, Aaron (Min. 74) for Espanyol, Diop (Min. 84) for Espanyol.

Ceballos destined to succeed either Modric or Iniesta

Ceballos destined to succeed either Modric or Iniesta

Certainly the biggest decision of his career to date, Dani Ceballos is being lined up as the long-term successor to each of Real Madrid and Barcelona's star playmakers.

With the Real Betis midfielder catching the eye of LaLiga's biggest sides, the statistics show just how capable he is of stepping up for the veterans who currently occupy the centre of the Blancos and Blaugrana park.

Ceballos managed 2,336 minutes in 2016/17, scoring twice and assisting two more with only Iniesta's three assists beating that tally.

Furthermore, it's clear that the young Spaniard uses his agility in greater measures than his 30-something counterparts, winning 118 fouls and making 120 dribbles compared to Modric's 30 and 54, respectively, while Iniesta's figures are similar to the Madrid star.

Moving further down the pitch, Ceballos' ability to replace the duo in defensive terms is another reason why Real and Barcelona are interested, his 255 interceptions reminiscent of a more youthful Modric and Iniesta, who managed 137 and 98 respectively albeit in less minutes.

Although he has plenty more ground to make up to be considered as good as these two LaLiga mainstays, the 20-year-old has the potential and the legs to make a big impact at whichever side he picks for a move in the coming weeks.

Barcelona announce Messi contract extension

Barcelona announce Messi contract extension

After months of speculation, Barcelona are finally able to confirm Lionel Messi's continuation at the Camp Nou.

Set to sign a new contract to 2021 when he returns to pre-season training in a couple of weeks, the Argentine forward is currently on holiday after his wedding to Antonella Roccuzzo.

"The Club is very happy with both the renewal and the commitment of Messi, the best player in history, who has played his full professional career at Barça and has led the team to an era of extraordinary success, the likes of which has never been seen in world football," read an official Barcelona statement.

MARCA reported overnight that Messi's extension will contain a 300 million euro release clause with an option for an extra year in Catalonia.

The challenges facing Messi before 2021

The challenges facing Messi before 2021

Following the confirmation of his new deal, Barcelona fans are likely to ask what more can Lionel Messi do at the Camp Nou?

The Argentine international has won everything at the club, but at 30 years of age there is still the belief that there are many years left in him.

With this in mind it is possible to allow the mind to wander on what more the wizard of Rosario can achieve in the final years of his playing career.

Win the most Champions League titles in history

Since the rebranding of the European Cup into the current Champions League in 1992, the most any players has won it is four times. Currently Messi is tied on four with the veteran trio of Clarence Seedorf, Xavi and Samuel Eto'o, but also with Cristiano Ronaldo as well as teammates Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique.

Become Champions League record scorer

Another battle he will face against Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming years is in the scoring charts, and at the moment the Portuguese international leads 106 to 94.

Reach the Nou Camp Nou

This could be difficult for Messi as the remodelling work on the Camp Nou was originally scheduled to be completed in 2021, however that has now been delayed. If there is an option to extend his contract for another year, and Barcelona are able to speed up the building work, then there is a chance.

Settle the duel with Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has edged Messi in recent years in their personal battle to claim individual awards. The Portuguese forward is expected to claim his fifth Ballon d'Or this year, equalling his Clasico rival's record of awards.

Messi claimed his fourth European Golden Boot this season, matching his rival's record in goal scoring. Both players are approaching the end of their careers, and they both know that these titles will weigh heavily in deciding who was the best of all time for generations to come.

Win another sextuple

No team has yet matched the achievement of Pep Guardiola's Barcelona that secured the six trophies in a year. The closest so far are Inter under Jose Mourinho/Rafa Benitez, Bayern Munich under Jupp Heynckes/Guardiola and Barcelona under Luis Enrique, who each won four in a year.

Messi seals his Barcelona renewal, extending to 2021 with a €300m release clause

Messi seals his Barcelona renewal, extending to 2021 with a €300m release clause

Barcelona and Lionel Messi have finally come to an agreement and the player will renew his contract with the Catalan club until 2021, with a further one-year option.

As for the Argentine's release clause, under the new deal it will be set at 300 million euros.

For the Blaugrana, this is a relief as they can now fully focus on their other summer business now that the star of the team has committed his future to the Camp Nou institution.

The 30-year-old, who is currently enjoying his honeymoon after last Friday's wedding, will put pen to paper on this new deal next week when he returns to Catalonia to join his teammates for the start of pre-season training.

Guardiola: While Messi is around, Barcelona will be almost unbeatable

Guardiola: While Messi is around, Barcelona will be almost unbeatable

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has eulogised over just how good Leo Messi is, while also stating that Barcelona are in good hands with Ernesto Valverde.

Following a season in which the Catalan giants won just the Copa del Rey, following a 3-1 win over Alaves, the team came in for much criticism but Guardiola believes that this is overstated.

"I see Barcelona a lot better than how they see it over there," the 46-year-old told the Catalan newspaper L'Esportiu.

"The work of Luis Enrique has been excellent. With him, when they were good, they were almost unbeatable. They have played very good football. While Messi is around, this will be the case. And I am not saying that the players that have been signed are bad."

The former Barcelona coach is clear in his belief that Messi is the best player he's witnessed, too.

"He is the best player I have ever seen," he continued. "The best thing about him is not what he does, but how simple he makes everything look. He is not just the best player because he can dribble past three or four players, it is because he does it better than anyone else in the world."

Ernesto Valverde, a former teammate of Guardiola, is the Barcelona's new head coach and the City boss believes that he will triumph at the Blaugrana.

"I think Barcelona needed a coach like Ernesto," said Guardiola. "A squad like this one, which has won everything, needs a guy who wants them.

"You need someone that understands the club, and Ernesto is that person. Also, he is a coach with a lot of knowledge. It will go well, as I knew that it would with Luis Enrique."

City have also managed to steal one of La Masia's best young players in Eric Garcia, but Guardiola is yet to see the 16-year-old in action.

"To tell the truth, I have not seen him play," he said. "They have told me that he is very good.

"We were aware that the boy did not want to continue [at Barcelona], and City did the rest. Barcelona has always had a great squad.

"Although I don't know exactly, I'm sure that there are very good players in the academy of Barcelona."

Ceballos and his representatives meet with Real Betis

Ceballos and his representatives meet with Real Betis

It remains to be seen where Dani Ceballos will be playing his football next season, but it may have become a little clearer on Tuesday afternoon when the player and his agents met with his current club Real Betis.

With Barcelona, Real Madrid and other clubs across the continent targeting the 20-year-old, he held talks with the Verdiblancos at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

His representatives from Bahia Internacional accompanied him, with Margarita Garay leading the way.

Real Madrid may be the front runners due to the fact they're willing to pay 20 million euros - which is 5m euros more than the figure stated in his release clause - but the player is also being followed by the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus, while Real Betis would also like to keep him in their squad.

The Andalusian club had already made a renewal offer to the midfielder before his dazzling performances at the Under-21s European Championship, one which would have made him the highest earner in Quique Setien's squad.

Now they could be offering him an even more attractive proposal as they aim to extend his deal and raise his release clause at the same time.

As MARCA have already reported, Real Betis were waiting to speak to Ceballos and to hear his intentions before opening discussions with any other club.

Suarez keeps LaLiga burning

Suarez keeps LaLiga burning

Six days after vanquishing Clasico rivals Real Madrid away from home, Barcelona took all three points with a hard-fought 3-0 derby win at Espanyol on Saturday night at Cornella-El Prat.

Things looked in doubt at half-time as Barcelona looked bereft of ideas in attack, but a massive error from Jurado gift-wrapped a Luis Suarez goal in the 50th minute before Ivan Rakitic sealed the result in the 76th minute thanks to Lionel Messi's playmaking. Barcelona then tacked on a late score, when a whiff from Espanyol defender Aaron paved the way for Suarez's second of the night.

It was a Barcelona derby through and through: Play was physical and there was plenty of acrimony between the two teams to keep referee Undiano Mallenco busy the whole night. In the end though, the three points went back to the Camp Nou, as Barcelona retook their place atop the La Liga table with 81 points.

Manager Luis Enrique reverted back to a 4-3-3 formation after fielding a 3-4-3 in the midweek walloping of Osasuna. Andre Gomes came in for the injured Andres Iniesta, while Neymar returned from his three-match suspension to fill out the MSN in attack.

It was a nervy start for Barcelona as Espanyol could have easily taken the lead early one when Felipe Caicedo found Jurado, but the shot from the former Real Madrid youth product rolled wide of the far post.

Barcelona were having difficulty dealing with Espanyol's physicality, with Neymar in particular bearing the brunt of a number of hard fouls. It all played to the Pericos' favour, as Barcelona were unable to find their desired rhythm and instead found themselves drawn into a backyard brawl.

And when Barcelona did threaten deep in the Espanyol half, they were met by Quique Sanchez Flores' rock-solid defensive block. Luis Enrique's men were resigned to passing the ball in a semi-circle around the area until a cross either was cleared or floated out of play.

For all of Espanyol's stellar defensive work in the first-half, it all went down the drain early in the second-half when Jurado committed an astounding error. The Perico midfielder tried to play a long back-pass, presumably to goalkeeper Diego Lopez, but it didn't have enough juice on it and Suarez gladly swooped in and finished for the 1-0 Barcelona lead.

Seeking a goal to get back on level terms, Sanchez Flores went to his bench as the banged up Caicedo made way for Leo Baptistao and Pablo Piatti was replaced with Hernan Perez.

Still, the bulk of play belonged to Barcelona. Espanyol were forced to roll the dice and push lines forward, giving Barcelona more room to operate with Messi pulling the strings.

La Pulga took over and right as the match ticked over into the final quarter-hour, the Argentine set the table for Barcelona's second by leading a break that saw him feed Rakitic on the left and the Croatian stroked the easiest of shots past Diego Lopez to make it 2-0.

Deflated after the Rakitic goal, a lapse in concentration cost Espanyol another goal, as Aaron completely whiffed on a clearance and against it was Christmas morning for Suarez, who pounced on the ball right in front of goal and easily scored past Diego Lopez for the 3-0 final.

Match Sheet:

0.- Espanyol: Diego Lopez; Javi Lopez, David Lopez, Diego Reyes, Aaron; Javi Fuego (Marc Roca, min. 80), Victor Sanchez, Jurado, Piatti (Hernan Perez, min. 66); Caicedo (Leo Baptisao, min. 61), Gerard Moreno.

3.- Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Andre Gomes (Mascherano, min. 78); Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

Goals: 0-1, min. 51: Suarez; 0-2, min. 76: Rakitic; 0-3, min. 87: Suarez

Referee: Undiano Mallenco (Navarra). Yellow Cards: Gerard Moreno (Min. 14) for Espanyol, Javi Fuego (Min. 68) for Espanyol

Red cards: None

Stadium: Cornella-El Prat

Attendance: 31.708

Neymar the most influential footballer in the world

Neymar the most influential footballer in the world

Despite just being 25 years of age, Neymar is one of the most influential footballers in the world, and he joins only six other athletes in the yearly list.

The Brazilian in fact is the only footballer on the list, showing how important what he does off the pitch is alongside his on-pitch exploits.

Conor McGregor, Tom Brady, Lebron James, Simone Biles are amongst the other athletes on Time's prestigious list.

Cristiano Ronaldo is more decisive than Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo is more decisive than Messi

Real Madrid progressed to the Champions League semi-finals thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo, who appeared with five goals against Bayern Munich when it mattered most, at the same time as Lionel Messi was frustrated by the Juventus defence.

Not only did the No. 7 net his 100th Champions League goal during the tie, but he has now equalled Alfredo di Stefano with 32 goals between the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of Europe's premier club competition.

Messi, on the other hand, could not find a way past Gianluigi Buffon and has now failed to score in his past nine quarter-final outings, while his tally for the final three rounds of the tournament remains at 16, half of Ronaldo's.

That gap could increase further given that the 32-year-old will take part in two, and perhaps three, more matches with the star-covered ball this season, whereas Messi will have to wait until the 2017/18 campaign for his next continental display.