FC Barcelona vs RCD Espanyol de Barcelona

The Barcelona Derby returns to their home ground as FC Barcelona host RCD Espanyol de Barcelona in one of football's most passionate local rivalries. This local derby always generates intense atmosphere, with both sets of supporters expecting nothing less than total commitment from their players.

FC Barcelona come into this fixture in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches, currently on a four-match winning run. The hosts will be confident of maintaining their strong form at their home ground. Meanwhile, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona have unable to find a winning formula, drawing three of their last five in recent outings, without a win in their last five matches. The visitors will be aiming to build on their inconsistent run of results.

In the current standings, FC Barcelona sit in 1st place with 64 points, while RCD Espanyol de Barcelona occupy in 7th place on 36 points. The hosts will be keen to protect their superior league position, while the visitors see this as an opportunity to close the gap. FC Barcelona's superior attacking output (71 goals) gives them an edge on paper. Defensively, FC Barcelona have been more solid, conceding just 26 goals.

Form often goes out the window in derby matches, with pride and passion typically overriding league positions. Expect a highly charged atmosphere and a fiercely competitive encounter. European qualification ambitions add extra significance to this encounter. Expect passion, intensity, and drama as these two rivals lock horns once again.