Neymar, Messi guide 10-man Barca to crucial win

By Kieran CANNINGMADRID, April 25, 2015 (AFP) - Neymar and Lionel Messi were on target as Barcelona produced a sensational first-half performance to take a huge step towards the La Liga title with a 2-0 win at local rivals Espanyol on Saturday.

The visitors having dominated from the off and two goals in eight minutes sealed the win as Neymar and Messi rounded off excellent team moves. Barca were reduced to 10 men early in the second period as Jordi Alba

We had the ball in their half, moved the ball well, created chances and pressed well after losing the ball,” said Enrique

was given his marching orders for taking his protestations towards referee Mateu Lahoz too far.But Luis Enrique’s men held on comfortably and could have even added to their lead had Neymar not blazed a glorious chance over 25 minutes from time. Victory takes Barca four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with Los Blancos not in action until Sunday when they travel to Celta Vigo.“I think we played the best firsthalf of the season in terms of dominating all facets of the game. We had the ball in their half, moved the ball well, created chances and pressed well after losing the ball,” said Enrique.