Espanyol fans will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2022/23 La Liga heartbreak, when city rivals Barcelona clinched the title with a 4-2 win at the RCDE Stadium. The parallels are undeniable heading into this latest edition of the Derbi Barceloní, and Espanyol’s current form offers little solace, with three straight defeats casting a shadow over their survival hopes.
Manolo González’s side are staring down a worrying trend, having already suffered four consecutive league losses in 2024/25, a stretch that includes a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona. Most recently, a 2-1 loss to Real Betis at home has put them on the brink of consecutive home defeats for the first time this season. Still, recent results offer a glimmer of hope—four points taken from Madrid clubs since early February prove that Espanyol can stand tall against La Liga’s elite when it counts most.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are charging toward a domestic treble after a thrilling 4-3 victory in El Clásico. That win has brought the Blaugrana within touching distance of their 28th La Liga crown. With 14 wins and just two draws in the league this calendar year, Hansi Flick’s men know that victory in this match would officially seal the title. However, should Real Madrid stumble against Mallorca, the celebration could begin even earlier.
History is firmly on Barcelona’s side. They remain unbeaten at the RCDE Stadium in La Liga since it opened in 2009 (W7, D6), and their dominance in this fixture has been pronounced. However, their only two losses in 2025 have come away from home—offering Espanyol a faint lifeline. Patience may be required from Barça’s travelling fans though, as eight of their last ten league goals on the road have come after the hour mark.
Players to Watch:
Espanyol’s Javi Puado has a habit of striking first in this fixture—netting his side’s opener in the last two H2Hs and doing so in 13 of his last 14 league goals. For Barcelona, Raphinha could play a decisive role once again, with five of his last six La Liga goals coming as the team’s third scorer—a stat that hints at more late drama.
Hot Stat:
Barcelona have led a pre-round joint-league high 14 matches to nil at half-time this season—highlighting their tendency to take control early and shut the door firmly behind them.
