There are few fixtures in Spanish football that ignite the passions of a city quite like the Barcelona Derby, and this year’s showdown at the RCDE Stadium on January 3, 2026, was no exception. With Espanyol hosting league leaders FC Barcelona, the stakes couldn’t have been higher for both clubs, each looking to solidify their place among La Liga’s elite. The final whistle confirmed Barcelona’s 2-0 victory, but the story was about so much more than just the scoreline.
Heading into the match, both teams were riding impressive streaks. Espanyol, sitting fifth in the table with 33 points from 17 matches, had put together a remarkable five-game winning run. Their most recent triumph—a gritty 2-1 comeback win away at Athletic Bilbao—had fans dreaming of a derby upset. Key contributors like Carlos Romero and Pere Milla had been instrumental in Espanyol’s surge, providing both goals and leadership on the pitch.
Barcelona, meanwhile, arrived at the RCDE Stadium perched atop La Liga with 46 points from 18 games, boasting a formidable record of 15 wins, one draw, and only two defeats. Hansi Flick’s side had rattled off eight consecutive league victories, with their previous outing a confident 2-0 win over Villarreal thanks to goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The Catalan giants looked every bit the title favorites, but the derby atmosphere promised to test their mettle.
The opening whistle set the tone for a fierce contest. Espanyol, backed by a raucous home crowd, started brightly. Former Blackburn Rovers forward Tyrhys Dolan nearly put the hosts ahead just four minutes in, his shot blocked by a resolute Barcelona defense. The tempo was relentless, with both teams trading possession and probing for weaknesses. Espanyol’s goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic was called into action early, producing a series of crucial saves to keep his side in contention.
Barcelona’s lineup featured a blend of youth and experience, with Joan Garcia—a former Espanyol player—between the sticks. Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde formed a solid defensive line, while the midfield trio of Frenkie De Jong, Eric Garcia, and Lamine Yamal provided both creativity and steel. Up front, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford led the charge, though all would later make way for substitutes who would ultimately decide the match.
Espanyol, managed by Manolo González, countered with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Dmitrovic marshaled a backline of Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera, Fernando Calero, and Omar El Hilali. Pol Lozano, Urko Gonzalez, and Edu Exposito controlled the midfield, while Pere Milla, Roberto Fernandez, and Tyrhys Dolan spearheaded the attack. The hosts’ tactical discipline and energy made life difficult for Barcelona throughout the first half.
Despite several promising attacks from both sides, the first half ended goalless. The action was punctuated by injury delays and a flurry of fouls, with both teams refusing to yield an inch. Dmitrovic’s reflexes were tested by Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, while Joan Garcia—facing his old club—denied Espanyol’s Pere Milla and Roberto Fernandez with sharp stops of his own.
The second half saw both managers turn to their benches for inspiration. Barcelona introduced Fermín López for Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo for Raphinha, Pedri for Gerard Martin, and Robert Lewandowski for Ferran Torres. Espanyol responded with Javi Puado, Ramon Terrats, Kike García, and Jofre Carreras, hoping fresh legs could tip the balance.
As the minutes ticked away, tension mounted. Barcelona began to assert their dominance, but Espanyol’s defense—anchored by Cabrera and Calero—held firm. Dmitrovic produced another spectacular save in the 72nd minute, denying Eric Garcia from close range and keeping Espanyol’s hopes alive.
But Barcelona’s persistence would pay off in dramatic fashion. With just four minutes remaining in regulation, substitute Fermín López found Dani Olmo outside the box. Olmo, with a moment of brilliance, curled a right-footed shot into the top right corner to break the deadlock. The goal sent the visiting fans into raptures and seemed to deflate Espanyol’s resistance.
"It was a fantastic feeling to score in such an important match," Olmo said postgame, reflecting on his late strike. "Fermín gave me the perfect pass, and I just focused on hitting it clean. These are the moments you dream about as a player." (According to BBC Sport.)
Espanyol tried to rally, but Barcelona’s substitutes continued to make the difference. In the 90th minute, López again played provider, this time setting up Robert Lewandowski for a clinical finish from the center of the box. Lewandowski’s goal sealed the 2-0 victory and underscored Barcelona’s depth and quality off the bench.
"We knew it would be a tough game," Lewandowski admitted after the final whistle. "Espanyol have been in great form, but our team showed character. The derby always means something extra, and we’re happy to take the points." (As reported by Athlon Sports.)
The win marked Barcelona’s ninth consecutive league victory and extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points. Real Madrid, sitting in second, would have the chance to close the gap with their match against Real Betis the following day. For Espanyol, the defeat was a setback, but their strong position in fifth place kept them firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
Statistically, Barcelona’s late-game prowess has been a hallmark of their season. With 12 goals scored in the final 15 minutes of matches—more than any other La Liga side—their ability to finish strong has repeatedly turned tight contests in their favor. The derby was no different, as Flick’s substitutions and tactical adjustments proved decisive down the stretch.
For Espanyol, the loss extended their winless streak against Barcelona in league play, with their last derby victory dating back to 2009. Still, their recent form and fighting spirit suggest brighter days ahead, especially with key players like Romero and Milla continuing to deliver standout performances.
The RCDE Stadium, buzzing with anticipation at kickoff, witnessed another dramatic chapter in the storied rivalry between these two Catalan clubs. The result may have gone Barcelona’s way, but the intensity and quality of football on display were a testament to the enduring allure of the Barcelona Derby.
As the dust settles, Barcelona’s grip on the La Liga summit looks stronger than ever, while Espanyol remains a team on the rise despite the derby disappointment. With the season far from over and plenty of twists still to come, fans on both sides can look forward to more unforgettable moments as the campaign unfolds.