The Catalan Derby between Espanyol and FC Barcelona is one of the fiercest rivalries in Spanish football. Rooted in regional pride, historical competitiveness, and passionate fanbases, the clash between Barça and Los Pericos goes beyond just a football match — it’s a battle for Catalan supremacy.
As La Liga heats up, this face-off promises high intensity, skill, and drama. With Barcelona aiming for top positions in the La Liga standings and Espanyol fighting for respect and survival, both teams have a lot at stake. Let’s dive into the Espanyol vs FC Barcelona timeline, key stats, probable lineups, and where to watch this exciting encounter.
Espanyol vs FC Barcelona: Historical Timeline
The Espanyol vs FC Barcelona rivalry has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. While Barcelona has dominated in terms of trophies and wins, Espanyol has always brought grit and determination to the derby.
- First Meeting: The two clubs first faced each other in 1929 during the inaugural La Liga season.
- Total Matches Played: Over 170 competitive matches have taken place.
- Wins: FC Barcelona leads with over 100 wins, while Espanyol has won fewer than 40, with many matches ending in draws.
- Memorable Encounters:
- 2006: Espanyol held Barcelona to a draw that cost them the league.
- 2018: Gerard Moreno’s late goal gave Espanyol a rare derby win.
- 2023: Barcelona clinched the La Liga title at Espanyol’s home, causing a pitch invasion and intense scenes.
Current Form and Stakes
- FC Barcelona: Under Xavi’s management, Barcelona has integrated young talents like Lamine Yamal, who has shown flashes of brilliance this season. Barça sits in the top three of La Liga, chasing Real Madrid and Girona in a tight title race.
- Espanyol: Recently promoted or battling relegation (depending on season progress), Espanyol’s form is inconsistent. However, they always raise their game for the derby, making them unpredictable.
Espanyol vs FC Barcelona Probable Lineups
FC Barcelona:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Players:
- Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
- Defenders: Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Balde
- Midfielders: De Jong, Gündoğan, Pedri
- Forwards: Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha
Espanyol:
- Formation: 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1
- Key Players:
- Goalkeeper: Pacheco
- Defenders: Gil, Cabrera, Calero, Oliván
- Midfielders: Darder, Expósito, Braithwaite
- Forwards: Puado, Joselu
Key Stats: Espanyol vs FC Barcelona
- Head-to-Head Record (Last 10 Matches):
- FC Barcelona Wins: 6
- Espanyol Wins: 1
- Draws: 3
- Top Scorers in Derby History:
- Lionel Messi (Barcelona) leads with 25+ goals
- Raúl Tamudo (Espanyol) holds the record for Espanyol
- Clean Sheets: Barcelona has kept clean sheets in 5 of their last 10 encounters with Espanyol.
- Possession and Pass Accuracy: Barcelona averages over 65% possession and 85% pass accuracy, dominating in most recent derbies.
Where to Watch Espanyol vs FC Barcelona
Fans from around the world can catch the action live through various platforms:
- India: Live streaming on JioCinema, Sports18
- UK: Broadcast on LaLigaTV, Viaplay Sports
- USA: Available on ESPN+
- Spain: Watch on Movistar LaLiga
Check your local listings for exact timings and availability.
What to Expect from the Match
Expect fireworks when these two sides meet. With FC Barcelona’s attacking prowess, led by Lewandowski and young sensation Lamine Yamal, and Espanyol’s never-say-die attitude, the match promises end-to-end action.
Key battles to watch:
- Yamal vs Espanyol’s left-back – a speed and skill contest.
- Midfield battle between De Jong and Darder – control will be key.
- Set pieces – Espanyol could look to capitalize on aerial threats.
FAQs about Espanyol vs FC Barcelona
Who has won more in the Espanyol vs Barcelona rivalry?
FC Barcelona has historically dominated the rivalry, winning more than 100 matches compared to Espanyol’s 30-40 victories.
Can I watch Espanyol vs FC Barcelona online?
Yes, the match is available on various streaming platforms including ESPN+, JioCinema, and LaLigaTV, depending on your location.
When is the next Espanyol vs FC Barcelona match?
The fixture date depends on the current La Liga schedule. Please check the official La Liga website or your local broadcaster for updated timings.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Barcelona, watch out for Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski. For Espanyol, Martin Braithwaite and Joselu are key threats.
What is the significance of the Catalan Derby?
The match is more than a game—it’s a symbol of regional pride. It showcases the cultural and footballing divide between Catalonia’s two biggest clubs.
