Barcelona: Espanyol midfielder Abraham Gonzalez scored shortly before halftime to earn his side a 1-0 home win over bottom-placed Cordoba in the Spanish league on Friday.
Gonzalez drove in a strike from the edge of the area after striker Felipe Caicedo had headed the ball back to him two minutes before the interval.
Cordoba improved after forward Bebe was introduced at the start of the second, but Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla saved Federico Cartabia's header with five minutes remaining.
Espanyol provisionally moved into eighth place, while Cordoba was left five points from safety.
It was the 29-year-old Gonzalez's first goal in his second season in Spain's top flight. Previously he had played in the second division.
"It even sounds strange to hear you call me a goalscorer," Gonzalez said to a reporter after the match.
"It was critical to win today to remain at ease in the league and for a boost of confidence for Wednesday."
Espanyol host Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Espanyol drew 1-1 at Bilbao in the first leg.
Real Madrid lead Barcelona by four points at the top of the standings. Madrid host Villarreal on Sunday, a day after Barcelona visit Granada.
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