Barcelona cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory over local rivals Espanyol in this evening's La Liga clash.

The away side took the lead after just 14 minutes when David Villa set up Alexis Sanchez, who finished well to make it 1-0.

Espanyol had their first real effort of the game on 18 minutes, but Raul Rodriguez could only hit his shot wide of the mark.

Cesc Fabregas almost doubled the Barca's lead on 32 minutes, though his fine strike bounced straight off the post and clear.

Diego Colotto came close to equalising for the home side two minutes later, but Victor Valdes stood firm to deny him.

Tito Vilanova's side pushed for a second goal just before half time, but neither Fabregas or Andres Iniesta could find the finish with their shots.

Villa found himself in on goal on 54 minutes, but he could only put the ball wide of the post.

Fabregas had another attempt a minute later, though he could not find the target either.

Espanyol went down to ten men on 81 minutes when Mubarak Wakaso received his second yellow card of the game for a dangerous challenge.

Some fantastic play from Xavi then gave Pedro Rodriguez a chance to make it 2-0 on 86 minutes and the winger made no mistake, securing the points for Barca.