FC Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol: 5 Talking Points

Barcelona eased into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for the fifth year running as Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi overturned their 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

It took only nine minutes for the holders to drive ahead, as El Pistolero headed home Aleix Vidal's inch-perfect cross to level with Espanyol on aggregate. The home side's continued high-pressing then yielded another one before the half-hour mark as Messi rifled home from the edge of the box - albeit with the help of a slight deflection.

The Periquitos, who held their mighty city rivals with aplomb last week, lacked the spark this time around as they never really threatened to derail Barcelona's hopes of more silverware.

Here's 5 talking points from Barcelona's 2-0 victory:

---

#5 Barcelona do what is written on the tin

Barcelona players celebrating Messi's second goal against their city rivals

Even after the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, the chatter about a surprise exit from the competition was never really heard beyond whispers. With the margin of only a goal, everyone knew Barcelona had it within their capability to overcome that narrow deficit, not least in the home leg.

Suarez's early strike served to effectively pacify all pre-match worries and proved only the beginning for them too. The hosts were in the driving seat throughout, with the resilient Espanyol of last week seemingly nowhere to be seen.

Easily beaten on the ball and effortlessly carved open, the league leaders held their crosstown rivals by the throat. With 13 shot attempts, it justifies their dominance in the final third.

If they were more clinical, they would have enjoyed a more comfortable victory in truth - but promising chances went begging and they were made to play smart in the latter stages, avoiding an unlikely Espanyol revival late on. Ultimately though, they got the job done and you cannot ask for much more than that.

#4 Espanyol gave in too easily

Busquets (R) in a tussle for possession with Espanyol's Gerard Moreno

Having already pulled off an unexpected result at home with a slender 1-0 win, all Espanyol had to do was to either defend it or get an away goal to fan the pressure. Quique Sanchez’s men could do neither, but they appeared to not even make an effort in first place.

Sloppy at the back, the defence was in no man’s land as Suarez gleefully headed home to open the account whereas the deflection to Messi’s effort was a sign of bad luck. The centre-back pairing of Hermoso and Naldo even ended picking a card each for the fouls committed.

The Blanquiazules were just as abject in the attack too, mustering only four shots of which two were on goal, but dealt with relative ease.

The cohesive unit of last time was so much in sixes and sevens this time around as Barcelona threw the kitchen sink at them and Espanyol were meekly mowed down by it.

What was truly disheartening, though, was the referee denying them a legitimate penalty towards the dying embers, which otherwise, may, just may have scripted a different story.

#3 Philippe Coutinho makes a promising debut

Debutant

For all the hara-kiri surrounding his big-money move, Philippe Coutinho finally made his Barcelona debut when he was subbed on for Andres Iniesta in the 68th minute and left a positive first impression.

Confident touches on the ball and buccaneering runs down the wings, the Brazilian was very active in his play throughout as he caused additional problems to the already fragile Espanyol.

He picked out his new teammates in dangerous positions whereas the cross he laid to Suarez across the face of the goal was one of the highlights of his debut.

Coutinho also laid a delicious cross for Paulinho, only for his compatriot to fail to connect with it.

Yet, it was a good debut by all accounts by the former Liverpool starlet. He seemed to be at ease in the four-man midfield of Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Paulinho and himself, as these are just signs of things to come.

#2 Catalan derby breathes new life

The atmosphere was electrifying

Against the norm of Barcelona making their less glamorous neighbours wipe the floor in dominating victories and a drab atmosphere in the stadiums, the Catalan derby was fiery and full of life here. The Camp Nou cauldron was bustling and echoes of the Blaugrana faithful were ubiquitous.

As Espanyol pulled off their first victory over the former since 2009, there was a sense of antagonism among a certain section of the fans who were vying for some all-out action in response. The atmosphere, resultingly, was sprightly and anxious in equal measure.

The match registered an attendance of approximately 80,000; something that’s unusual for the Derbi barceloni, given the low stakes. But that wasn’t the case this time and the thronging stands today would suggest the same.

The stellar likes of Lionel Messi and co. may have emerged victorious in the game, but Catalonia was the biggest winner on the night.

#1 Barcelona almost have their names on the trophy

Almost there

Barcelona’s rendezvous with the Copa del Rey continues to go strong as other final beckons, as does another potential league trophy. A 30th, should they win (which they will, eventually).

Whilst Leganes will be buoyed after driving out Real Madrid in the last 8 in a historic win at the Bernabeu, the likes of Sevilla and Valencia are the perennial dark horses. But as we’ve borne witness to in the past, they still can’t pose a challenge big enough to prevail over Barcelona, who are just too good at the moment.

So no matter which name is drawn against them on Friday, the writing is on the wall.

The Blaugrana have won each of the last three editions of the Copa del Rey, and would be eyeing Athletic Bilbao’s record of four in a row they set in the 1930s. And only a calamity of epic proportions can stop that from happening.