Mateu Lahoz had his moment, but he couldn't stop a Barcelona win over Espanyol

Barcelona were playing in one of the most complicated games remaining for them this season. They were visiting Espanyol, a rival that even when they have lost to Barça, have never made things easy.

The Catalan derby is always an important match for Espanyol and their players are always motivated.

Barça, like against Sevilla and PSG, were excellent in the first half. They dominated play and were intense. The consequence of that was not just two goals, but also several other chances, which didn't end up in the net. 

Espanyol looked like a side unable to do anything to stop Barcelona's avalanche. Even when Barça took their foot of the gas, like against Sevilla and PSG, they were still superior. The situation was completely under control.

It's true that in certain moments, such as the beginning of the second half, the game was in danger of becoming boring.

But there was Mateu Lahoz to breathe life back into it. He wanted to even up the contenst. He sent off Jordi Alba. 

I've always believed that referees play an excessive role in football. They like to be in the thick of the action. There are very few matches when they don't make a controversial decision. 

Errors are understandable. We all make them. But there are situations when it's difficult to comprehend certain errors.

And if referees like to be in the spotlight, Mateu Lahoz likes it even more. 

But things don't always go as one likes. And, despite having 10 men for the majority of the second half, even if Barça weren't as good from then on, Espanyol couldn't make the extra man count. 

Mateu had his moment of glory sending off Alba. But nothing more. 

Barça won the game and I don't think anyone will doubt that the result was deserved. Luis Enrique's side were far better than Sergio Gonzalez's. They continue to lead the way and now the pressure is on Madrid in Vigo.