FC Barcelona vs Espanyol: Match Preview

Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images

A day of chances and opportunity awaits FC Barcelona, and that too in a clash of rivals. The Derby of Barcelona will dictate just how soon can the Catalan giants place their hands on the La Liga Santander title. At the RCDE stadium, awaits Espanyol to help unveil the answer.

Match Details:

Date: Sunday, 14th May 2023

Competition: La Liga Santander

Matchday: 34

Time: 09:00 pm CET

Venue: RCDE Stadium

Match Overview:

FC Barcelona visits their Catalan neighbors at the RCDE Stadium to face off against Espanyol in the Barcelona derby, one that may be remembered for more than just its already historic namesake this time around.

That is because this game could mark the crowning of this season’s La Liga Santander champions, with FC Barcelona consequently winning the Spanish league for the 27th time in their history.

La Blaugrana would ensure the title mathematically if they manage to take away all 3 points in their game against the 19th-placed Espanyol. However, it is a widely acknowledged concept, that relegation-battling teams are never easy opponents near the end of a league campaign.

Facing demotion, Espanyol will be surely putting their lives on the line to win points for themselves, and will also have the added motivation of not wanting to let their Catalan rivals be named victors at the RCDE Stadium of all places.

In terms of form, top of the table with 11 points and a game in hand, FC Barcelona have secured 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the last 5 league outings. In terms of points, they have accumulated 10 out of the 15 possible points at stake. Their last match was a 1-0 win over a stubborn CA Osasuna side that tested Barca’s mettle to the very last minutes.

On the other hand, Espanyol are facing the prospect of being demoted to the Segunda Division, as they currently sit just one place above last at 19th. In terms of their last 5 games, Espanyol has 1 win, 3 losses, and 1 draw, managing 4 points from a total of 15.

FC Barcelona now have their entire squad fit and available for this game, as even the previously injured Sergi Roberto has received medical clearance for the game. With Xavi well aware that his primary objective is winning La Liga at all costs, it should be expected that the manager will likely line up with his strongest possible eleven.

Should they win, FC Barcelona will be crowned the 2022/2023 La Liga Santander champions. However, the actual presentation of the title itself will be reportedly done at Spotify Camp Nou in accordance with Barca’s next home game, as per Mundo Deportivo.

The Latest

Premier League interest comes calling for Barcelona youngster

It is hard to imagine a Barcelona where their youngsters do not shine as they typically do. With their financial limitations and restrictions, the...

Barcelona wonderkid and Real Madrid-bound gem to clash at the Bernabeu

It is always going to be a bit surreal not to see Barcelona and Real Madrid clash over something. The two Spanish rivals are...

Three Barcelona pearls praised by Real Madrid captain – report

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid share one of the most compelling rivalries in the world of sports. This rivalry often manifests itself away from...

Barcelona star returns from international duty with physical concerns

Because of the international break that is currently ongoing, a significant part of the FC Barcelona squad is away from the club, and training...

Barcelona have their youngsters ready for next season – report

Even though there is still some time to the start of the next season, Barcelona are already a step ahead. The Catalan giants do...

Agent rules out a loan for €40m-rated Barcelona striker

After having signed for FC Barcelona in the last summer transfer window, the Brazilian striker Vitor Roque was the only addition made to the...

Joao Cancelo talks playing at Barcelona, Xavi, Lamine, Cubarsi, PSG

Ever since his move to FC Barcelona on the final day of the last summer transfer window, Joao Cancelo has been able to make...

Cancelo opens up about issues with Pep Guardiola and Man City

The world of football can be a cruel and misunderstood place, something Joao Cancelo is quite familiar with. Whether it be on the economic...

Barcelona president confirms advanced price talks with Man City for fullback

FC Barcelona need to sort out their summer plans ahead of time at this point. The Catalan giants can no longer afford the luxury...