On March 19, 2025, FC Barcelona will step onto the field at Ciudat Esportiva Dani Jarque in Sant Adrià de Besòs, Catalonia, to face their city rivals RCD Espanyol in the semifinals of the Copa Catalunya. This matchup comes at a challenging time due to the ongoing FIFA international break, which typically sees club football take a pause. Nevertheless, the tournament showcases a unique opportunity for regional teams to compete for local glory.
The Copa Catalunya, an official tournament organized by the Catalan Football Federation (FCF) since its inception in 1984, aims to promote local talent and enhance visibility within the sport throughout the region. While the tournament historically offers a platform for teams from various divisions, the allure of such competitions may not resonate as strongly with colossal clubs like Barcelona, especially as they pursue titles in the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and La Liga—all in Hansi Flick's debut season as head coach. Success in these competitions would signify a potential treble for the club.
However, the upcoming semifinals pose unique challenges for the Blaugranas. Barcelona is currently missing 13 first-team players who are on international duty, a circumstance that inevitably complicates their preparations for the match against Espanyol. In response to this predicament, Barcelona Athletic, along with their Juvenil A and B sides (the U-19 and U-17 teams), find themselves navigating a demanding phase of their season.
Barcelona submitted a request to the FCF to reschedule the semifinal match to accommodate their depleted squad; however, the federation remained firm that the game would proceed as originally planned. The insistence from the FCF to maintain the match timings places Barcelona in a scramble to assemble a competitive team at short notice, especially given that Flick has granted the remaining first-team players a five-day rest period following their training session on Tuesday.
As a result, the responsibility of leading the team during this contest will fall to Sergi Milà, the manager of Barça Athletic. He will oversee a side predominantly formed by younger players, incorporating talents from the B team as well as the U-19 and U-17 squads. This presents a unique challenge but also an opportunity for younger players to showcase their abilities on a larger stage, especially against long-standing rivals like Espanyol.
Espanyol is also gearing up for the match with a squad primarily made up of academy players, indicating a potential showcase of emerging talent and a competitive spirit on both sides. The history of encounters between the two teams adds a thrilling layer to this rivalry, as Barcelona has historically dominated recent matchups—recording three wins and only two draws in the last five games against Espanyol.
Fans eager to catch the action will note that the match will be broadcast exclusively in Catalunya on Esport3. Furthermore, minute-by-minute updates will be available through various local outlets, including Mundo Deportivo, ensuring that supporters can stay connected to the proceedings as the game unfolds.
As this highly-anticipated semifinal approaches, both teams will be looking to emerge victoriously, albeit under less-than-ideal circumstances. While Barcelona is expected to rely on its younger players, Espanyol will be equally motivated to capitalize on this opportunity for regional pride.
This Copa Catalunya semifinal not only provides a platform for local talent but also highlights the evolving dynamics of Catalan football. As clubs navigate through periods of adversity and opportunity, the outcome of this match will further contribute to the local football narrative, making it a contest that fans won't want to miss.
Kick-off for this exciting showdown is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. ET/8:45 p.m. GMT, with the implications of the game likely resonating throughout the region. The anticipation in Catalunya remains palpable, as both Barcelona and Espanyol prepare to battle it out for the chance to advance to the final.
