BARCELONA failed again to put pressure on Spanish league leader Real Madrid after being held to a 0-0 draw at home by city rival Espanyol on Saturday.

The Champions League semifinalist has only managed one win in its last eight league matches and put in a toothless display in a passion-free derby with its struggling neighbor.

Barca stays second with 61 points, eight short of Real, which can extend its lead at the top to 11 with a win at fifth-placed Racing Santander later.

“When our luck changes and the ball goes in, then the dynamic we are in will change. We aren’t giving up on the title,” Barca coach Frank Rijkaard said.

Barcelona lacked pace and a cutting edge at the Nou Camp until Rijkaard brought on Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta for the second half.

Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni was quickly in the thick of the action saving from the Argentine and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o.

But for all the home side’s dominance of possession Espanyol was able to hang on to earn its first point in five matches, while Barca was whistled off at the end.

Villarreal, third with 59 points, can move above Barca if the side defeats visiting Valladolid later.(SD-Agencies)

Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez (L) scores against Espanyol at the Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday.SD-Agencies