The Espanyol vs Barcelona clash is one of the most heated rivalries in Spanish football, known as the Catalan Derby. With both teams battling for pride and points, this match always delivers drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a Barça fan, an Espanyol supporter, or just a football enthusiast, this guide covers everything you need to know—timeline, lineups, stats, where to watch, and more.
Espanyol vs FC Barcelona: Historical Timeline
The rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona dates back to 1900, making it one of the oldest derbies in football. Here are some key moments:
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1900: First-ever meeting between the two clubs.
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1929: Espanyol wins the first La Liga derby.
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2007: Barcelona’s 2-1 win at Camp Nou with a last-minute Ronaldinho free-kick.
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2018: Espanyol ends a 10-year winless streak against Barça with a 1-0 victory.
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2023: Barcelona secures a crucial 1-0 win in a tense La Liga encounter.
This fixture has seen legends like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Raúl Tamudo leave their mark. Now, rising stars like Lamine Yamal aim to make history.
Where to Watch Espanyol vs FC Barcelona
Can’t make it to the stadium? Here’s where you can catch the Barcelona match:
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TV Broadcast: ESPN, LaLiga TV, Movistar+ (Spain), Viaplay (UK), beIN Sports (USA)
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Streaming: ESPN+, DAZN, fuboTV, LaLiga’s official YouTube highlights
Espanyol vs FC Barcelona: Predicted Lineups
Espanyol Possible XI (4-4-2):
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Goalkeeper: Fernández
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Defenders: Gil, Montes, Cabrera, Olivan
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Midfielders: Darder, Souza, Expósito, Melendo
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Forwards: Braithwaite, Joselu
Barcelona Possible XI (4-3-3):
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Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
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Defenders: Cancelo, Araujo, Koundé, Balde
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Midfielders: Gavi, Pedri, De Jong
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Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski, Fati
Key Stats & Facts
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Barcelona dominates the head-to-head record with over 120 wins.
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Espanyol’s last home win against Barça was in 2018.
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Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, could be the youngest scorer in derby history.
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La Liga standings impact: A win could push Barça closer to the top, while Espanyol fights to avoid relegation.
What to Expect in the Next Espanyol vs FC Barcelona Match?
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High intensity: Expect tough tackles and fiery duels.
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Tactical battle: Espanyol may sit deep, while Barça will dominate possession.
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Key players: Lewandowski’s finishing vs Braithwaite’s revenge (former Barça striker).
