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Barcelona begin their 2026 campaign with a high-stakes Catalan derby as they travel across the city to face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday night. With both sides enjoying strong league momentum, the first derby of the season arrives at a crucial juncture in La Liga.
Barcelona aim to carry League momentum into 2026
Barcelona head into the derby as La Liga table-toppers after a dominant run of eight consecutive league victories. That surge has given them a four-point cushion at the summit and reinforced their status as early title favorites.
The reigning champions have shown growing tactical cohesion and balance, combining control in midfield with consistent output in the final third.
Saturday’s fixture also carries historical weight. Barcelona have not suffered a league defeat at the RCDE Stadium in nearly 20 years, a record they will be determined to protect before shifting focus to next week’s Spanish Super Cup commitments.
Espanyol’s resurgence sets up a competitive derby
Espanyol approach the derby with confidence of their own. Under Manolo González, Los Periquitos have quietly assembled one of the league’s most impressive runs, winning five straight La Liga matches to climb into fifth place.
Their recent form has transformed expectations around the club and placed them firmly in the European qualification conversation.
While history favors Barcelona, Espanyol’s organization and recent consistency suggest they are well-equipped to challenge their more decorated neighbors, particularly in front of a home crowd eager for a statement result.
Espanyol vs Barcelona kick-off details
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Stadium: RCDE Stadium
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
Kick-off Time: 8:00 p.m. GMT / 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
Where to Watch Espanyol vs Barcelona Live
United States: ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App
United Kingdom: Disney+ Premium
Canada: TSN+
Mexico: Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Espanyol wins: 0
Barcelona wins: 3
Draws: 2
Predicted Lineups
Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; González, Lozano; Dolan, Exposito, Milla; Fernández.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha; Torres.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Prediction
Espanyol’s recent surge should make the contest competitive, but Barcelona’s superior depth, form, and long-standing dominance in this fixture give them the advantage. Expect the visitors to control proceedings and find decisive moments in attack.
Prediction: Espanyol 1–3 Barcelona
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