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MADRID. — Barcelona dropped points for the third time in four league games as they were held 0-0 by local rivals Espanyol in a heated Catalan derby on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid moved two points clear of Barca at the top of the table, having played a game more, thanks to substitute Thomas Partey’s late winner to edge past Levante 1-0.

Real Madrid trailed Atletico by five points ahead of their trip to Valencia yesterday.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez hit the woodwork for Barcelona either side of half-time, but Espanyol’s physical approach was rewarded with a first point against Barca in eight matches.

“The result in general was fair based on what both teams created, although I thought we had a lot of chances,” said Barca boss Luis Enrique. — AFP.