Espanyol v Barcelona: Line-ups, stats and preview

Barcelona’s fans and players – although possibly not coach Hansi Flick, who said he may give it a miss – will gather round TV sets tonight to watch Real Madrid take on Real Mallorca.

Any kind of slip up from Carlo Ancelotti’s men will see Barca clinch the title ahead of tomorrow’s short trip to city rivals Espanyol.

Assuming Madrid are victorious then a win for the Bluagrana at the Estadi RCDE will be enough for them to reclaim the crown they lost last season and complete the domestic league and cup double.

It would also go some way to making up for the disappointment of their Champions League exit to Inter Milan last week.

Flick is normally a coach who is open to speaking to the media but his press conference this morning was short on detail and clues as to how he will set up his side tomorrow night.

What he did say, however, was that Barca have full respect for an Espanyol side that appeared to be pulling clear of the relegation zone only for three successive defeats to drag them back into the mire.

Manolo Gonzalez’s side are five points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining, the last of which sees them host fellow strugglers Las Palmas on the final day.

Flick said:”Espanyol have improved a lot in the second half [of the season], with new players and a clear style. We have to be focused and show that we want to win.”

If Barca can repeat their performance from the weekend win in the Clasico then they ought to be fine.

They trailed 2-0 inside 15 minutes but roared back to win 4-3 and put themselves in pole position in the title race. There were wild celebrations at the final whistle but Flick hinted there may not be a repeat of that if they clinch the title tomorrow.

He said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk or think about celebrations before the game. You have to focus on the game.

“Things are done with respect. We have to battle for the three points and then we will do what is right.”

Gonzalez is confident his players will put up a good fight and he hopes they can replicate their home win over Madrid in February.

“What we care about is winning for ourselves,” he said. “We want to play a great game again like we did against Villarreal and Betis even though we didn’t win.

“We were able to beat Real Madrid in the best moment of their season and we will have that intention. If we compete as we should, we will make it difficult for any team that comes here.”

HANSI FLICK: “For us, the most important thing is to be focused on our match tomorrow.” #EspanyolBarça pic.twitter.com/rPCMDGzBdC

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 14, 2025

Team News for Espanyol v Barcelona

Barcelona will have to find a replacement for Inigo Martinez who is suspended.

Andreas Christensen or Ronald Araujo will deputise with the Uruguayan hoping to get the nod and produce a good performance after receiving plenty of criticism for his display at San Siro.

Robert Lewandowski may have to settle for a place on the bench once again despite being fit.

Espanyol will hope midfielder Pol Lozano is available fit after missing the weekend defeat at Leganes.

Predicted line-ups for Espanyol v Barcelona

Espanyol: Garcia; Carreras, Calero, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Exposito, Gonzalez, Kral, Puado; Fernandez

Barcelona: Szczesny; Garcia, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin; De Jong, Pedri, Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Torres

How to watch Espanyol v Barcelona: TV and online stream

Espanyol versus Barcelona kicks off at 8.30pm UK time tomorrow night. It is available to watch on Premier Sports 1 and streamed via the Liga app.

#EspanyolBarça pic.twitter.com/qTSL7p2t1C

— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) May 13, 2025

Stats for Espanyol v Barcelona