1. Messi - by far the most influential player on the pitch.
2. Pedro - game was pretty much won when he came on, but flawless performance, including a goal and assist.
3. Mascherano - Espanyol was pretty much playing on the counter, and Mascherano broke up many.
HM:
Alba - his usual solid performance. Long ball assist to Pedro was a beaut.
Iniesta - not on pitch long enough to have an influence, but game was more fluid with 9 of the 10 outfield players from the Pep era.
Xavi - a good performance, though not one of his exceptional ones.
Most other players had decent, if unremarkable performances, with a few glaring errors and bright spots here and there.