Thursday’s Derbi Barceloní at the RCDE Stadium carries immense significance for both Espanyol and Barcelona, albeit for very different reasons. For Espanyol, survival in La Liga is on the line, while Barcelona are within touching distance of securing their 28th league title and completing a domestic treble under Hansi Flick. The match sets up perfectly for a high-stakes, emotionally charged encounter where both sides have every incentive to attack..
Espanyol vs Barcelona – Barcelona Needs a Victory To Secure First Place – Game Preview, Key Stats, Betting Predictions.
Barcelona’s Form & Title Motivation:
The Blaugrana are flying high after their 4-3 comeback victory over Real Madrid in El Clasico, which not only reignited their momentum after a heartbreaking Champions League exit but also extended their lead at the top to seven points.
With 14 wins from their last 15 league matches and five straight away victories, Barcelona are in formidable form. The Catalans also boast a strong H2H record against Espanyol, remaining unbeaten in 27 La Liga derbies and having never lost at the RCDE Stadium since it opened in 2009.
What strengthens this prediction further is the consistent late-game scoring by Barcelona, having netted 8 of their last 10 away goals after the 60th minute. Their attacking depth, especially with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in fine form, makes them highly likely to find the net — possibly multiple times — even if Lewandowski is rested.
Espanyol’s Situation & Scoring Threat:
While Espanyol have taken only one point from their last four matches, they’ve shown fight — notably in their 3-2 loss to Leganes where they nearly mounted a comeback. At home, Espanyol have generally been tough to beat, losing only once in their last 11 La Liga games at the RCDE Stadium prior to the recent Betis defeat. The urgency of a potential relegation battle could prompt an aggressive approach from Manolo Gonzalez’s men.
Crucially, Espanyol have shown they can find the net against Barcelona in past meetings — scoring in their last two La Liga H2Hs — and have a reliable scorer in Javi Puado, who has opened the scoring in each of those games. He’s not only Espanyol’s top scorer but a key threat on the counter, especially as Barcelona tend to allow space in transition during away matches.
Key Stats Supporting BTTS:
Espanyol have scored in 10 of their last 11 home matches.
Barcelona have conceded in 4 of their last 6 games across all competitions.
Both teams have scored in each of Barcelona’s last three matches (Real Madrid, Inter, Valladolid).
Espanyol scored in the last 2 H2Hs with Barcelona.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Match Preview Conclusion:
While Espanyol’s defensive fragility and recent losing streak put them at a disadvantage, their home form and attacking resilience — especially in key fixtures — suggest they are capable of at least finding the net. Barcelona, motivated to clinch the title and in red-hot form, are favorites to win, but a clean sheet looks unlikely given recent performances and Espanyol’s attacking urgency.
Prediction: Barcelona to Win & Both Teams to Score
