We are merely hours away from witnessing one of the fiercest Catalan derbies in quite some time as Barcelona take on Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.
The atmosphere is going to be electric, with Espanyol fans already causing a nuisance, chanting against Joan Garcia after his controversial move to Barcelona last summer.
Espanyol have already taken multiple steps to ensure there is no hostility from fans in today’s matches. But supporters aside, Espanyol midfielder Edu Exposito, heading into this game, has talked about his team’s chances of beating Barcelona on the pitch tonight.
Edu Exposito on Espanyol’s chances against Barcelona
Exposito stated clearly that it is now time for Espanyol to step up and dominate their local rivals, Barcelona, in an interview with Erem News (h/t AS).
“Espanyol deserves to be where it belongs, and we will fight for it until the end,” said the Espanyol star, who will play a key role in neutralising the Barcelona midfield.
With Espanyol currently sitting fifth in the league table thanks to a set of back-to-back wins, Exposito remains confident.
Edu Exposito, Espanyol captain
Edu Exposito is ready for the Barcelona challenge. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
“I think the team’s rhythm is excellent. We’re competing well, playing with solidity and confidence, and this is reflected in our daily work,” he said.
“Arriving at a match like the derby with this positive momentum allows you to play without inhibitions, believing in what you do and knowing that, if we play to our full potential, we can cause problems for any opponent, including Barcelona,” he added.
Despite Espanyol’s form, it must be noted that the team has not won against Barcelona in 17 years, which extends to 19 if we only count home matches.
Exposito, though, believes this team is capable of taking on Barcelona and putting an end to Espanyol’s horrid run.
“Chains are made to be broken. It’s a negative statistic, but this team has a strong character, and we’ll be playing at home in front of our fans. In derbies, the odds are even, and if we’re fully focused and play with courage, we can change history,” he said.
“Derbies are played with heart and also with the head,” Exposito concluded as he gears up for one of the team’s most important matches of the season.