Barcelona is back on track to retain their La Liga crown after they handed out a 5-0 thrashing to city rival Espanyol in the Derbi Barceloni on Sunday. The victory was especially sweet for Barcelona, as during the last meeting between the two clubs, Espanyol keeper Pau Lopez stomped on Messi after the Barca star went down in front of the goal.
January 6, 2016 – Copa del Rey: Pau Lopez Stomps On Messi
In the leadup to yesterday's regular season clash, Lopez didn't shy away from stoking the flames as he gave his opinion of the club he wants to win the league (according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo).
"I don't know who will win La Liga, but I want it to be a Madrid team," Lopez said. "It doesn't matter to me which one."
Barcelona fans were understandably less than pleased. So, after Lopez made a mistake that cost Espanyol a goal at the hands of Rafinha, the Camp Nou crowd could be heard chanting "idiot, idiot." Messi, for his part, couldn't help but clap to show his approval.
Messi taunts Pau Lopez as the crowd chants "idiot, idiot!" (Photos: FIMDBIMD | Facebook)
Earlier in the match, Messi was the first to score with a beautiful free kick that slipped past Lopez's fingertips and into the goal:
Stepping away from the spot, Messi could then be seen taunting Pau Lopez, saying, "Now what? Go on you jerk!"
May 8, 2016: Messi Taunts Pau Lopez After Scoring
Go on you jerk, indeed.
Heading into their final game of the season this Saturday, Barcelona need a win against Granada to ensure the title as the Catalans currently sit only one point clear of Real Madrid, who faces Deportivo the same day. We're sure Pau Lopez will be watching anxiously.
