Barcelona head into Saturday’s Catalan derby seeking to reply after a tough European evening, the place Atlético Madrid secured a first-leg benefit and Julián Álvarez earned Man of the Match honours within the conflict, Softfootball reported.
Regardless of that setback, Hansi Flick’s aspect stay firmly centered on La Liga, the place they’re chasing a seventh straight victory to tighten their grip on the prime.
This comes shortly after their emphatic Champions League run, together with a dominant efficiency the place Barcelona thrashed Newcastle 7–2 to e-book a quarter-final spot, highlighting their attacking firepower.
The Blaugrana additionally gave followers a glimpse of their readiness by posting a coaching clip on their X deal with forward of the derby, constructing anticipation for the conflict.
Watch video under
With a seven-point lead over Actual Madrid, Barcelona know a win right here is essential, particularly with consideration already drifting towards the second leg in Madrid subsequent week.
In the meantime, Espanyol arrive in poor kind, nonetheless looking for their first league win of 2026, making this fixture much more difficult regardless of being the brisker aspect.
Group information
Barcelona are anticipated to be with out Pedri attributable to a hamstring subject picked up in opposition to Atlético, which might hand Gavi a uncommon begin. Frenkie de Jong could return to the squad, however Marc Bernal stays uncertain, whereas Andreas Christensen and Raphinha are dominated out.
Flick is prone to rotate his squad, with Ronald Araújo, Alejandro Balde, Fermín López and Ferran Torres all pushing for begins, whereas Pau Cubarsí might function domestically regardless of suspension issues in Europe.
For Espanyol, Pere Milla returns from suspension, providing a lift in midfield, however Javi Puado stays sidelined with a knee damage and Clemens Riedel is suspended.
Following a stable goalless draw in opposition to Actual Betis, adjustments are anticipated to be minimal, with Fernando Calero doubtless entering into the protection.
Attainable lineups
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; E Garcia, Gavi; Yamal, F Lopez, Olmo; F Torres
Espanyol: Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Ngonge, Gonzalez, Milla, Lozano, Dolan; Fernandez
The place to look at
| Area | TV Channel | Streaming Platform |
| Spain | Movistar LaLiga | Movistar+ |
| United Kingdom | LaLigaTV | Viaplay / Premier Sports activities App |
| United States | ESPN Deportes | ESPN+ |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| Nigeria | SuperSport | DStv / GOtv |
