FC Barcelona are set to face RCDE Espanyol in La Liga in what is expected to be an intense clash given the Catalan divide. There is a lot riding on this game for the league table, especially with Hansi Flick’s team flying high.
Everything points to a hostile crowd welcoming Hansi Flick’s team, and all eyes will be on Joan Garcia. Barcelona poached Espanyol’s best player in the summer, and the repercussions will be there for all to see.
Barcelona have had a brilliant run in the league since the November international break, winning all their games since. After a short break, the Catalan club will be keen to continue and keep hold of the momentum they have built.
With all this in mind, here are three talking points for FC Barcelona [ahead of their clash against Catalan rivals Espanyol](https://semprebarca.com/rcd-espanyol-vs-fc-barcelona-match-preview-la-liga/) in La Liga.
**1\. A night for bragging rights**
[Tonight’s game between Barcelona and Espanyol is much bigger than just football](https://x.com/FCBarcelona/status/2007233242122821776?s=20). It is a night for bragging rights. It is a night when only one of the two Barcelona-based clubs will go home the happier.
Hansi Flick’s team, on paper, is far superior to their opposition on the night. However, the sheer passion of a derby is bound to fuel Espanyol to play out of their skin and try to get one over the club from Camp Nou.
Barcelona hold a 4-point lead at the top of the table, which means even Real Madrid fans would be behind Espanyol tonight, supporting them as they try to get one over Flick’s men. All this makes it one of the biggest Catalan derbies in recent history, and Flick will want to end on the right side of it.
**2\. A different experience for Joan Garcia**
Without a doubt, the RCDE Stadium will be a cauldron on the night, and every single person in there will have one Barcelona player to target: Joan Garcia. A stadium that sang his praises not too long ago will treat him with absolute hostility this time around.
For many years, there have not been many names that have crossed the Catalan divide. Joan, who is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeeping talents of his generation, took the brave step of joining Barcelona this summer.
He has, since then, become a fan favourite at the Spotify Camp Nou and is one of Hansi Flick’s most important players. Tonight, though, is more of a test of character for the Spaniard than a test of his footballing abilities.
Joan vs the RCDE Stadium will be a massive battle on the night, and let’s hope the Spanish goalkeeper manages to emerge from it unscathed.
**3\. New year, new beginnings**
The first half of the season, from an FC Barcelona perspective, has been an equal mix of positives and negatives. However, despite this, the club has managed to remain top of the table, but that does not mean there is no scope for improvement.
Defensively, 2025 was not a great year for Hansi Flick, but a new year offers the chance for new beginnings. The January transfer window also provides Barcelona with the opportunity to find a centre-back who can add to the team’s quality.
2026 is a massive year for Barcelona, especially with the presidential elections right around the corner. Joan Laporta is likely to contest another term, but there is set to be opposition, which could decide the future of Hansi Flick.
However, it is important for the club not to get ahead of itself and to focus on the sporting project for the rest of the season. That starts with a win against Espanyol tonight, and let’s wait and see how things play out.