FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol Prepare for Thrilling Encounter

FC Barcelona’s Impressive Form

Manolo González’s team is heading into the upcoming match boasting five consecutive league victories, marking their longest winning streak in the top division since June 1999. They currently occupy a solid fifth position in the standings, trailing leaders FC Barcelona by 13 points. The league leaders have been in formidable form themselves, achieving eight straight wins and suffering only one defeat in their last twelve matches across all competitions.

Barça Rebounds Strongly After Clásico Loss

Although FC Barcelona faced a setback with a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in late October, Hansi Flick’s squad has successfully bounced back, reclaiming their position at the top of the league thanks to an eight-match winning streak.

With an average of 2.8 goals per game, Barcelona possesses the most potent attack in the league and one of the best in Europe this season. Striker Ferran Torres has made a significant impact, netting 11 goals, while Lamine Yamal has made an impressive contribution with 14 goal involvements—seven goals and seven assists—in 14 matches.

Heading into Saturday’s ELDERBI DE BARCELONA, Flick’s side has won six out of nine away matches this season. Notably, only Real Madrid (21 points) has accumulated more away points than FC Barcelona (19). However, both of Barça’s losses this season have occurred on the road, against Real Madrid and Sevilla FC.

After their recent 2-0 victory against Villarreal CF, Barcelona has secured the title of LALIGA EA SPORTS winter champions for the 14th time during the 21st century, achieving this accolade in 10 of the last 13 seasons.

RCD Espanyol’s Remarkable First Half of the Season

On the other hand, RCD Espanyol is experiencing a strong season, with six wins from nine home matches and four victories away from home, placing them among the teams with the most wins this season (10).

Midfielder Pere Milla has shone brightly for the squad with a team-high of six goals, while Carlos Romero is recognized as one of the league’s top left-backs. Romero ranks fifth in the league for both tackles won (28) and total tackles plus interceptions (64). He’s also contributed offensively, scoring three goals and delivering two assists in 16 league matches.

In their last outing, both Milla and Romero scored as RCD Espanyol overcame an early goal from Álex Berenguer to defeat Athletic Club at San Mamés just before the winter break. The team currently boasts the fourth-best defense in LALIGA EA SPORTS, having conceded just 17 goals in as many matches and maintaining three clean sheets in their last four league fixtures.

Marko Dmitrović trails only Thibaut Courtois, with eight clean sheets, having stepped up in Joan García’s absence. This upcoming match will be particularly notable for García, as it is against the club where he began his career before moving to FC Barcelona last summer following a stellar season with RCD Espanyol.

In their head-to-head encounters, FC Barcelona holds the advantage, remaining unbeaten in their last 16 league matches away against RCD Espanyol. They have triumphed in their last three meetings, including a 2-0 victory that clinched last season’s league title for Flick’s team at the RCDE Stadium.

It remains to be seen whether RCD Espanyol can seek redemption against their city rivals or if FC Barcelona will continue their unbeaten league run as they enter 2026.