Aside from El Clásico and the Madrid derby, few fixtures in LaLiga carry as much intrigue and intensity as the Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona.

Regardless of where the two sides sit in the table, this rivalry rarely disappoints. History alone guarantees drama. From Raúl Tamudo’s infamous 90th-minute equaliser at Camp Nou in 2007 — a goal that effectively handed the title to Real Madrid — to Barcelona clinching the league crown at the RCDE Stadium in 2023 amid pitch invasions that halted their celebrations, this fixture has produced no shortage of flashpoints.

There is little reason to expect anything different when the sides meet again.

Espanyol riding a wave of momentum

Espanyol enter the derby in fine form under Manolo González. Los Periquitos have won their last five league matches, a run that has propelled them up to fifth place, just four points behind third-placed Atlético Madrid.

Barcelona, however, arrive in even stronger shape. Their recent victory away to Villarreal was their eighth straight league win, and Hansi Flick’s side sit proudly at the top of the table. With a Spanish Super Cup campaign looming, the Blaugrana will be eager to carry their momentum into the New Year and maintain at least a four-point cushion over Real Madrid.

History firmly on Barcelona’s side

Recent head-to-head history offers little encouragement for the hosts. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 28 league Catalan derbies, a run stretching back to 2009. During that period, Espanyol have managed just 13 goals, while Barcelona have scored a remarkable 68.

Last season at the RCDE Stadium, Barça struck twice through Fermín López and a sensational long-range effort from Lamine Yamal — a goal-of-the-season contender that flew past current Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García. Still, Espanyol have found the net twice in two of the last three derbies played at home, suggesting they are capable of making life uncomfortable.

Attacking questions and defensive vulnerabilities

With Robert Lewandowski’s future uncertain and the striker now free to negotiate with other clubs, Flick faces a decision in attack. Ferran Torres has filled the central role recently, but Lewandowski — who has 11 league goals this season, second only to Kylian Mbappé’s 18 — may yet be restored to the starting lineup.

Espanyol will sense opportunity against Barcelona’s high defensive line, which has been exposed on several occasions this season. While Barça boast the league’s most potent attack with 51 goals, they have also conceded 20 — the highest total among the top seven teams.

Pere Milla remains Espanyol’s primary threat, having scored six league goals, three of which opened the scoring. Confidence is high at the RCDE Stadium, where Espanyol have suffered just two home defeats all season and are likely to press aggressively from the outset.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have already dropped eight points away from home, although they have not failed to win on the road since October’s defeat to Real Madrid.

Team news and selection dilemmas

Pedri and Jules Koundé are expected to return from injury for Barcelona, though Pedri’s minutes may be managed. Marc Casadó could also feature, with the versatility to operate in midfield or at right-back. Dani Olmo and Ronald Araújo are back in contention, but Flick’s selections may be influenced by the upcoming Spanish Super Cup.

For Espanyol, Ramón Terrats remains sidelined through injury, while Charles Pickel is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with DR Congo. Javi Puado is nearing a return from a knee injury but is likely to be eased back with a substitute appearance.

A daunting task — but not impossible

On paper, Barcelona dominate virtually every attacking metric in LaLiga this season, leading the league in goals scored, total shots, shots on target, shot conversion, passes completed and pass accuracy.

For Espanyol to claim a positive result, everything will need to fall into place. But given their form, home confidence and the unpredictable nature of the Catalan derby, this latest chapter promises tension, intensity and — quite possibly — another moment to remember.