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Espanyol 0-0 Barcelona

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Abraham fouls MessiImage source, AP
Image caption,

Lionel Messi hit the angle of bar and post with a free-kick

Barcelona started 2016 off with a goalless draw against city rivals Espanyol.

Luis Enrique's side scored a Spanish record 180 goals in 2015 as they won five trophies, but his team of stars were not on top form against their neighbours.

They only forced keeper Pau Lopez into two saves, although Lionel Messi - with a curling 25-yard free-kick - and Luis Suarez hit the woodwork.

It was Barca's first 0-0 La Liga draw in 31 games - since a match against Malaga on 21 January 2015.

Atletico Madrid overtook them at the top of the table with their 1-0 win over Levante later on Saturday, although Barcelona have a game in hand.

'Espanyol gave everything'

Barca boss Luis Enrique: "It is difficult to play against a side that gives everything. We were expecting a game like this and they played very well.

"They pressured a lot and it was difficult for us to get going at the start as the opposition were on their game.

"We did well at the beginning of the second half, it was vital to create chances so that we could control the game and we had some clear openings which we didn't convert.

"Defensively they were superior to us in workrate and were at a very high level. They did drop it later as the game went on because it is impossible to maintain that throughout the match."

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