Barcelona held by Espanyol in chaotic derby
Barcelona's Spanish defender Marcos Alonso reacts during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 31, 2022.Barcelona were held to a draw by local rivals Espanyol in a chaotic New Year’s Eve derby at the Nou Camp.
Marcos Alonso gave Barca the lead after seven minutes, however they were pegged back by a Joselu penalty.
Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba received a second yellow card in the final minutes, while Vinicius Souza was also dismissed for the visitors.
The referee also sent off Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera, although that was overturned by VAR.
Despite failing to win, Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on goal difference ahead of Real Madrid, who beat Real Valladolid 2-0 on Friday.
On Saturday, Alonso nod...