FC Barcelona - Kings of football!

Xavi, Pedro (2) and Messi (pen) scored all four goals in the first half hour. Tito Vilanova, who was operated on December 20th, was back in charge of the tea.

Vilanova sent out the same team he’d fielded against Levante and once again the team managed four goals in a single half.

Espanyol were more physical in the second half, attempting to cut off Barça’s possession football with a series of fouls that broke up the rhythm of the game, but the hosts soon found a way round that with some typical controlled passing.

It’s a Spanish tradition for the three kings to bring presents to mark Epiphany and the end of the festive season, but tonight it was the Barça players who once again showed themselves the Kings of Football, brushing aside local rivals Espanyol with a whirlwind first 30 minutes and handing their returning coach Tito Vilanova and the Camp Nou faithful a great New Year gift, as they chalked up their 11th straight La Liga win.