Defender Marcos Alonso headed in 1-0 to the home team already in the fourth minute.

After that, Barcelona looked to be in full control of the match for a long time.

But Espanyol defended well, and with just over a quarter of an hour left to play, the away team was awarded a penalty.

This after striker José Mato, better known as Joselu, was brought down in the penalty area by Alonso.

Joselu took care of the penalty himself, and 1-1 was a fact.

After Espanyol's equaliser, chaotic scenes unfolded.

Barcelona's Jordi Alba picked up his second yellow card for protesting in the 78th minute, and was sent off.

Two minutes later, Espanyol's Vinícius Souza and Leandro Cabrera were sent off - after VAR review, however, the referee changed his decision.

Thus, only Souza's expulsion stood.

A total of eleven yellow cards and two red cards were handed out in the match.

Barcelona ends the year as league leaders, on the same points as Real Madrid.

A minute's silence was held before the match in memory of Brazilian legend Pelé, who passed away on Thursday.

CLIP: Brazil and the football world mourn Pelé (December 30, 2022)

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In Pelé, there are many who mourn Pelé.

Photo: TT News Agency