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Barcelona vs Espanyol: Derby Preview & La Liga Update
Barcelona host Espanyol in Saturday La Liga derby with nine-point lead at stake. Flick manages squad rotation ahead of Atlético Madrid return leg.
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How we reported this
FC Barcelona host RCD Espanyol on Saturday at 6.30pm CET at Spotify Camp Nou, three days after a 2-0 home loss to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League and three days before the return leg at the Metropolitano.
Victory in the derby would extend Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to nine points after Real Madrid drew 1-1 at home to Girona on Friday. Barcelona had moved seven points clear by beating Atlético Madrid 2-1 the previous weekend while Real Madrid lost away to Mallorca.
Espanyol struggle since the turn of the year
RCD Espanyol have not won any of their thirteen matches in 2026 after ending 2025 with five straight victories. The visitors sit outside European qualification places and need points to avoid a season without continental football.
In the last 29 league meetings between the sides, Espanyol have recorded no victories. Their last win at Camp Nou came in February 2009, a 2-1 result sealed by two goals from Ivan de la Peña.
Injury and availability updates
Andreas Christensen, Marc Bernal and Raphinha remain sidelined for Barcelona. Frenkie de Jong has been declared fit, while Pedri sustained a knock on Wednesday that forced an early exit but appears minor enough for squad inclusion. Pau Cubarsi will start but will miss Tuesday’s European fixture through suspension.
Espanyol travel with an almost full-strength group. Javi Puado is out long term with a knee injury and Clemens Riedel is suspended, yet coach Manolo Gonzalez reports no other major concerns. Hansi Flick stated that the squad contains sufficient quality for a strong starting eleven even if key players are rested for the Champions League return.