Espanyol score late winner to claim Copa del Rey advantage over Barcelona

Oscar Melendo scored a late winner for Espanyol to give his side a derby win and a 1-0 lead over Barcelona ahead of next week’s Copa del Rey quarter final second leg.

Ernesto Valverde’s side dominated the majority of possession, pressing and proving for a breakthrough, but Melendo struck the decisive blow with just two minutes of normal time left to play, sweeping home a low finish from 16 yards.

Lionel Messi had the chance to give Barcelona the lead from the spot after substitute Luis Suarez was felled in the area by Esteban Granero, but the Argentine saw his penalty saved by man of the match Diego Lopez, who kept the Catalans out time and time again.

This was the first time that Barcelona have suffered defeat this season. Valverde’s side will have to regroup ahead of next week’s return leg if they are to make the final four of the Copa del Rey. Espanyol have given themselves a platform.

His signing in the summer was the subject of much derision, but Paulinho has proved his critics wrong to become a key figure for Barcelona this season. So the sight of the Brazilian being withdrawn shortly into the second half due to an injury won’t have pleased Valverde. How big a blow will that prove to the Catalans? Can they make do without the Brazilian?

Lopez most likely prepared for a busy evening against the runaway La Liga leaders. Ultimately, the Espanyol goalkeeper only had a few saves to make, but every one of those saves were crucial - particularly the penalty kick stop from Messi. Of course, Lopez has real pedigree, having previously played for Real Madrid and AC Milan, and he showed it with this display.

Espanyol - Lopez 8, Navarro 6, Naldo 7, Fuego 6, Aaron 5, Duarte 6, Lopez 6, Sanchez 5, Granero 4, Darder 5, Moreno 6. Subs - Didac 5, Baptistao 6, Melendo 7.

Barcelona - Cillessen 5, Roberto 6, Digne 5, Pique 6, Vermaelen 5, Busquets 6, Paulinho 5, Alena 5, Vidal 5, Messi 7, Denis 5. Subs - Rafinha 4, Rakitic 5, Suarez 6.

61’ PENALTY KICK TO BARCELONA! Granero trips Suarez inside the area and the referee points to the spot.

62’ PENALTY KICK IS SAVED! Messi steps up to the 12 yard mark, strikes a powerful effort towards the bottom left hand corner, but Lopez guesses the right way and makes the diving save!

77’ WAS THAT A GOLF BALL?! Cillessen was hit by something thrown by the crowd there as he took a goal kick. I can't be 100% sure, but to me it looked like it was a golf ball! Shocking.

87’ GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Barcelona: The home side have taken a late lead in the derby! Espanyol are on course to defeat Barca for the first time this season! The ball was played back to Melendo and the youngster finds the bottom corner with a low finish.

Lionel Messi has missed more penalties than any other La Liga player this season -three from six attempts.

Diego Lopez has saved more penalties against Messi than any other goalkeeper - two.