Shortly before the turn of the year, FC Barcelona fought back the championship lead from Spanish record champions Real Madrid with a lot of effort.
A meager 1-1 (1-0) was enough for the Catalans in a highly emotional derby against Espanyol Barcelona.
The better goal difference puts Barca, who had previously celebrated five straight La Liga wins, ahead of Los Blancos who are level on points (both 38).
Real had won 2-0 at newly promoted Real Valladolid on Friday.
Marcos Alonso (7th) gave Barca an early lead. Joselu (73′, penalty kick) equalized for the guests. Barca’s Jordi Alba (78′) and Espanyol’s Vinicius Souza (80′) each saw the yellow-red card.
A red card against Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera for an alleged assault on Barca striker Robert Lewandowski was withdrawn after video evidence.
Robert Lewandowski pardoned at short notice
Lewandowski only knew on Friday that he would be eligible to play in the derby on Saturday. According to the Catalans, an arbitration court in Madrid initially overturned a decision by the Spanish Sports Court TAD, which had confirmed a three-game ban against the Pole.
Lewandowski was suspended for three league games by the Spanish association RFEF after a yellow-red card before the World Cup break. The reason for the long break was the behavior of the 34-year-old after being sent off.
When leaving the lawn, he put his index finger to his nose and pointed to the referee.
The federation’s tribunal interpreted the gesture as “disapproval of the referee’s decision”. Barca then lodged a protest against the verdict.