19
14:23
Almost 2-0 for Barca! Alba has a lot of space on the right and puts the ball sharply on the first post. Marcos Alonso is completely free there and pushes the ball just millimeters past the left post. It really has to be in there.
16
14:19
Espanyol take a free kick from the inside right. Brian Oliván puts the ball too short into the box, allowing Christensen to head the ball out of harm’s way.
15
14:18
The next corner almost makes it 2-0 for Barca! Raphinha brings the corner sharply in front of the goal again. Lewandowski comes free to the header and tries towards the right corner. Álvaro Fernández is on the spot and holds the ball.
13.
14:17
Gavi plays a diagonal pass to the right to Raphinha. He pulls a hook in the middle and flicks in the direction of the long corner. Brian Oliván intercepts with his foot, allowing the ball to go wide.
10
14:14
From the guests’ point of view, the early goal is of course bitter. How does Espanyol react? The guests have not had any significant offensive action so far.
7.
14:11
Tooor for FC Barcelona, 1-0 through Marcos Alonso
There’s the lead for Barca in the derby. Raphinha takes a corner from the left to Lewandowski’s head, who misses the ball properly. Finally, Christensen puts it back in the middle to Marcos Alonso, who beats Álvaro Fernández five yards from goal and heads into the right corner. Espanyol’s defense didn’t look good there.
7.
14:09
FC Barcelona pushes forward. Jordi Alba gets the ball on the left and has plenty of time to cross. His low cross in the direction of the penalty spot does not find a buyer.
5.
14:08
Contrary to expectations, Espanyol does not play with a five-man chain. Diego Martínez pushes Calero forward to sixth position.
4.
14:07
As expected, FC Barcelona takes control of the game in the early minutes and lets the ball circulate through their own ranks. Espanyol make an early attack on Barca and are closely staggered with two chains in their own half.
1.
14:04
After a minute’s silence for Pelé, the ball rolls. FC Barcelona toast in red and blue jerseys. Espanyol is befitting in blue and white. On the way.
13:59
The teams run in. Can FC Barcelona score three points in the city duel with Espanyol to salute from the top of the table on New Year’s Day? We’ll find out soon. We look forward to an exciting game.
13:44
The match referee is Antonio Mateu Lahoz. His assistants on the sidelines are Pau Cebrián Devís and Rubén Porras Rico.
13:31
Espanyol coach Diego Martínez apparently relies on a basic defensive order with a five-man chain. Also included is Sergi Gómez, who used to play for the city rivals. Ex-Bundesliga player Joselu and the Dane Braithwaith act as a double in the storm center.
13:24
As expected, Robert Lewandowski was in the hosts’ starting XI. In addition, coach Xavi relies on Gavi, Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Sergio Roberto from the start. Compared to the last game against Osasuna, Balde, Dembélé, Ferran Torres and Busquets are on the reserve bench for the time being.
13:21
Barca, on the other hand, want to jump back to the top of the table with their win. Real Madrid already won against Valladolid (2-0) yesterday and overtook FC Barcelona in the table. With a game in hand, the Catalans are currently one point behind the Los Blancos in second place in the table.
13:14
The storm department is also in focus at city rivals Espanyol. New signing Joselu has been convincing lately and has scored seven goals so far this season. Martin Braithwaite, who joined from Barca in the summer, is among the visitors’ top performers. However, in the last five league games before the World Cup, Espanyol failed to win a game. Espanyol are currently 17th in the table with 12 points.
13:11
An exciting encounter awaits us this Saturday morning. This week’s game was all about star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Pole was suspended for three league games by the Spanish association after a yellow-red card before the World Cup break. Lewandowski’s ban has now been suspended, allowing the striker to play in the city derby against Espanyol.
13:07
Hello and welcome to La Liga matchday 15! FC Barcelona meets city rivals Espanyol Barcelona this Saturday afternoon. The game at the Camp Nou in Barcelona kicks off at 2 p.m.