RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona: Preview, when and where to watch in India?
The highly anticipated Derbi Barceloní between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona is set for January 4, 2026, at RCDE Stadium. Here is everything you need to know about the match.
Last Updated: 06.03 PM, Jan 03, 2026
The first blockbuster clash of 2026 is here as the Derbi Barceloní takes center stage at the RCDE Stadium. This will be a high-stakes battle between a Barcelona side eyeing league glory and an Espanyol team enjoying their best top-flight campaign in two decades. Here is everything you need to know about RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona, LaLiga 2025-26 match.
Match details
Match: RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona, LaLiga 2025-26
Dates: January 4
Venue: 1.30 AM IST
Where can I watch RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona, LaLiga 2025-26 online?
Football fans in India can watch the RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona, LaLiga 2025-26 on FanCode, via OTTplay Premium.
Match Preview
FC Barcelona enters the new year sitting comfortably at the summit of LaLiga with 46 points, holding a four-point lead over Real Madrid. Hansi Flick has transformed the Blaugrana into a relentless machine, currently riding an eight-match winning streak in the league.
Their last outing of 2025 was a clinical 2-0 victory over Villarreal, proving they can handle high-pressure away fixtures.
However, the "Parakeets" are no longer the pushovers they once were. Under Manolo González, Espanyol has surged to 5th place (33 points) and is in the midst of a five-game winning run.
The atmosphere at the RCDE Stadium is expected to be toxic for the visitors, primarily due to the "traitorous" return of goalkeeper Joan García, who left Espanyol for Barcelona last summer.
Head-to-Head (H2H) Stats
History heavily favors the visitors, but the gap has closed in recent years.
Team News
RCD Espanyol: The hosts are grappling with some availability issues. Charles Pickel is away on AFCON duty, while Roman Terrats is sidelined with a muscle injury.
The biggest worry remains star man Javi Puado, who is a major doubt with a knee niggle. If Puado misses out, the creative burden will fall on Edu Expósito and Tyrhys Dolan.
FC Barcelona: Hansi Flick has welcomed back several key names. Ronald Araújo is back with the squad after a personal leave of absence, and Pedri is expected to start despite a minor calf scare.
Gavi and Andreas Christensen remain long-term absentees. There is also a major talking point around the starting XI: will Flick start the former Espanyol man Joan García in goal, or stick with a more "neutral" choice to avoid the inevitable crowd vitriol?
Predicted lineups
Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Gragera, Lozano; Dolan, Expósito, Milla; Fernández.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J. García; Koundé, Cubarsí, I. Martínez, Balde; Casadó, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.