Espanyol vs Barcelona

RCDE Stadium forms the backdrop for the latest edition of an iconic rivalry between La Liga rivals Espanyol and Barcelona.

Espanyol supporters may fear a repeat of the 2022/23 LL season when a 4-2 H2H defeat handed city rivals Barcelona the title on their turf. That scenario could unfold again here, and three straight losses for Los Periquitos is a worrying trend ahead of the Derbi Barceloní. Yet, they’ll take heart from the fact they haven’t suffered four consecutive defeats all season. However, a 2-1 loss to Real Betis in their most recent home outing puts Espanyol at risk of losing back-to-back matches at the RCDE Stadium for the first time this term. On the bright side, Manolo Gonzalez’s men have held both Madrid heavyweights winless on this ground in 2024/25 (W1, D1), confirming their capacity to cope with the division’s heavy hitters.

Visiting Barcelona will take the field in a buoyant mood after overturning an early 2-0 deficit in a nail-biting 4-3 home win against Real Madrid to stand on the verge of their 28th La Liga title. Yet to lose a league fixture in 2025 (W14, D2), Hansi Flick’s charges look almost unplayable as they bid to clinch a domestic treble after beating Los Merengues to Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana glory. Remarkably, Los Blaugranas haven’t lost at this stadium in La Liga since its opening in 2009 (W7, D6). Yet, both Barca’s defeats this calendar year have come on the road, offering the visiting fans a note of caution.