Champions held in goalless derby

 

Lionel Messi and Co. could not break down a dogged home side and could lose their grip on top spot when Atletico Madrid face Levante on Saturday night

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both hit the woodwork as Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw against Espanyol that gives Atletico Madrid the opportunity to take sole ownership of top spot in La Liga.

Espanyol set their stall out from the off at Cornella El Prat, with their intensity and aggression proving an effective means of nullifying their more illustrious neighbours's wealth of attacking talent.

Barca were far from at their best but for all Espanyol's hard work, the hosts still had to rely on the help of the frame of the goal to claim an unlikely point.

Messi was first to go close when his sublime 25-yard free-kick shortly before half-time beat Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez all ends up but struck the corner of the post and crossbar.

Suarez had a goal disallowed for offside and then hit the post early in the second half as Luis Enrique's team began 2016 with a point that gives Atletico the chance to go two points clear with a win over Levante later on Saturday.