Blaugrana fans feared a psychological backlash after the tremendous disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League, but their fears were clearly unfounded. Last Sunday, Barcelona repelled Real Madrid’s latest assault, winning yet another Clasico this season with a spectacular 4-3 victory—Hansi Flick’s men had gone 2-0 down in the first half—and flying seven points clear of their eternal rivals, who will end the season with no domestic silverware (La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup).
At this point, a comeback by Los Blancos is unthinkable, despite still having nine points up for grabs. Barça could even be crowned champions before the derby with Espanyol if Real Madrid fail to get the better of Mallorca 24 hours earlier (at the time of writing, we do not yet know the result of the match between Los Merengues and the Balearic club). Otherwise, a victory against their city rivals would be enough to celebrate and get their hands on a well-deserved title. Barcelona have recorded some stratospheric numbers, especially in attack, with an impressive 95 goals scored in 35 games.
Espanyol, meanwhile, find themselves in a similar situation to two years ago, when the Blaugrana won the league in their own stadium (there was a pitch invasion at the end of the match by Pericos fans). Unlike then, however, Espanyol will not have to deal with the bitterness of relegation: Manolo Gonzalez’s men are not yet safe but have a five-point lead over the third-bottom team. This is a respectable gap with three games to go, even if Espanyol are coming off three consecutive defeats that have made the atmosphere heavy once again.
Flick will not be able to count on the suspended Inigo Martinez and the injured Bernal, Torre, and Koundé in the derby. In attack, Ferran Torres and Lewandowski are vying for a place. El Hilali returns for Espanyol after suspension.
Odds comparison
A goal is priced at 1.72 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 1.70 on Snai. A “2-4 away goals” bet is priced at 1.50 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and Snai.
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The prediction
Espanyol has not prevailed over its Barcelona cousins since 2018, with the Blaugrana unbeaten in 12 games against their neighbors. A slip-up by Flick’s team is unlikely, with the title just a few centimeters away. However, given their problems when not in possession of the ball—Barça has only kept one clean sheet in the league and cups in the last month—it cannot be ruled out that the hosts will manage to score at least one goal.
Probable lineups for Espanyol-Barcelona
ESPANYOL (4-3-3): Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Edu Exposito, Urko, Lozano; Roca, Roberto Fernandez, Javi Puado.
BARCELONA (4-3-3): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Christensen, Cubarsì, Balde; Pedri, Dani Olmo, de Jong; Yamal, Ferran Torres, Raphinha.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2