Temas: La Liga, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Espanyol
Lionel Messi was omitted from the starting 11 in his side’s La Liga trip to Espanyol.

Sunday’s Catalonia derby generated a lot of hype due to the recent war of words between Gerard Pique and Espanyol. As a result, both clubs were expected to bring out their biggest ammunitions with bragging rights at stake and three points.

However, fans were fed with a rare sight of Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi looking on from the dugout as the first 45 minutes commenced. Considering the game was dubbed as a high risk encounter, Ernesto Valverde probably rested his most-priced asset as a precaution. 

The little Argentine forward’s position was taken by Paco Alcacer, with new signing Phil Coutinho also entering the fray. Barcelona momentarily sits atop La Liga with 57 points. 

A win at the RCDE Stadium will take them 15 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and 21 points ahead of rivals Real Madrid, who sit in fourth place.