After securing their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League mighty Barcelona return to the domestic front when they face city rivals Espanyol on Saturday. Barcelona are leading the Primera Liga table but they are just two points clear of second-placed Real Madrid. The reverse fixture in December was won by Barcelona 5-1, with Lionel Messi bagging a hat-trick. Espanyol have not beaten Barcelona in 12 games, they have just four wins out of the last 46 Catalan derbies.
Espanyol have nothing to lose and nothing left to fight for other than pride. They are safely in the middle of the Primera Liga table, with no fear of relegation and no hopes of reaching European football. Sergio Gonzalez's men have been in top shape lately, recording six consecutive wins. That said, there would be nothing more enchanting for the Espanyol fans than denting their rivals' title bid.
Barcelona are chasing three trophies this season, with the Champions League and the Copa del Rey also on their list. They have defeated PSG 2-0 on Tuesday to consolidate their place in the Champions League last four and they will play the Copa del Rey final against Atletico Madrid at the end of May. They have not been defeated since February, winning 12 of their 13 games since. Veteran midfielder Xavi Hernandez might not be able to play while Thomas Vermaelen could finally be in the squad after overcoming several injuries.
Probable line-ups:
Espanyol: Casilla - Arbilla, Alvaro, Moreno, Duarte - Lucas, Sanchez, Rios, Alvarez - Sergio Garcia, Caicedo.
Barcelona: Bravo - Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba - Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta - Messi, Suarez, Neymar.
My prediction: Barcelona to win 4-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Espanyol win - 12.00 Draw - 6.00 Barcelona win - 1.25
timidi 8 years ago
Barca won 0-2 and now they are one step closer to the title. They played well and even with a red card they won without any problems. Real today plays against Celta Vigo and that is hard match for Real. Barcelona will keep eye on this match and hope that Celta could win at least one point and stop Real Madrid.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
rikimartin4444_115925
8 years ago
This was a very interesting match which was played city rivals. The sword is full of emotion, fighting and good football. We saw two red cards as proof of how fighting were players of both teams. Barcelona, in the end, deservedly won and won three important points in the fight for the title in the domestic league.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
seculla
8 years ago
After furious Barcelona's start and scoring two goals in seven minutes, they played without any attention to score more, at least that is how I felt. The referee wanted to be the "main" man of the match with giving Alba two yellow cards in just a few seconds, and when referee want to be that he ruins the match. After that...
After furious Barcelona's start and scoring two goals in seven minutes, they played without any attention to score more, at least that is how I felt. The referee wanted to be the "main" man of the match with giving Alba two yellow cards in just a few seconds, and when referee want to be that he ruins the match. After that red card, Espanyol got more space to attack, and they had some chances but the result at the end was the same. Barcelona won and they are closer to win the title in Primera.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
sharpe
8 years ago
This Catalan derby is always tensed but I think Barcelona will not have a problems to win it. The battle with Real Madrid at the top in Primera is fierce and every point is important from now on. So I don't expect Espanyol to create a too much problems for the defense of Barcelona.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
rikimartin4444_115925
8 years ago
Great Catalan derby awaits us tomorrow. These are the matches that are always full charge and emotion. Barcelona is in great shape and has two points ahead of Real Madrid and try to keep it after this match. Espanyol will try to make a surprise as a few years ago to help Real Madrid. I expect that there will be little goals,...
Great Catalan derby awaits us tomorrow. These are the matches that are always full charge and emotion. Barcelona is in great shape and has two points ahead of Real Madrid and try to keep it after this match. Espanyol will try to make a surprise as a few years ago to help Real Madrid. I expect that there will be little goals, one or maybe two. My prediction 1-0 Barcelona win.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
seculla
8 years ago
Every Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona is wort watching. There is something more than just a match for both teams, just like in every city derby in every league. Espanyol don't have any reason to play for, except for their own pride, they are on the middle of the tabel in La Liga and they assured their place...
Every Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona is wort watching. There is something more than just a match for both teams, just like in every city derby in every league. Espanyol don't have any reason to play for, except for their own pride, they are on the middle of the tabel in La Liga and they assured their place in Primera for next season. On the other side, the big favorites, Barcelona are just two points ahead of Real Madrid and they will surely want to take all three points from tomorrow's match. I expect that Barcelona will win without any bigger problem and also I expect at least three goals in this match.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.