Pedro and David Villa struck a brace apiece as Barcelona brushed
aside Espanyol in the Catalan derby at Cornella tonight, ending
their city rivals' perfect home record in the league this season
and ensuring top spot as the Primera Division heads into the winter
break.
Pedro and Xavi gave Pep Guardiola's side a healthy lead at half-time,
before the Tenerife-born winger struck again in the second half.
Dani Osvaldo got one back for Espanyol after that, but Barca always
looked in control and David Villa added two more late on for the
visitors.
The champions are now five points ahead of rivals Real Madrid,
who host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow.
Barca could only draw the corresponding fixture last season and
usually face a tough game against their city rivals, who were up
in fourth place at the start of the day.
Espanyol had won all of their seven Primera Division matches at
Cornella prior to this one, but Barca came into the 16th-round clash
with a perfect away record and Mauricio Pochettino's side knew they
were facing their toughest test yet at home.
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