Messi, Neymar keep Barca on course

Neymar and Lionel Messi were on target as a strong first-half performance helped Barcelona remain on course to win the Primera Liga title after they beat Espanyol 2-0 on Saturday.
Barcelona dominated from the start 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 was given his marching orders for taking his protestations towards referee Mateu Lahoz too far, but Luis Enrique’s men held on comfortably.
Victory takes Barca five points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with Real not in action until Sunday when they travel to Celta Vigo.
Luis Enrique, the Barcelona coach, said: “I think we played the best first-half 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.
“In the second half, I thought we played very well too despite the fact the sending off could have created doubts or made us struggle a bit more.”
Espanyol goalkeeper, Kiko Casilla, kept his side in the game early on as he made two great saves to deny Neymar and Luis Suarez at the end of moves started by fine crossfield passes by Messi.