Manolo González’s Espanyol have already endured a tough spell in the 2024/25 season, losing four league games in a row earlier this year—a run that included a 3-1 loss to Barcelona at the Camp Nou and recently, a 2-1 home defeat to Real Betis has left Espanyol vulnerable to another blow at the RCDE Stadium.

As they face Barcelona on Thursday in the La Liga, they may record their first back-to-back home losses of the season, a worrying prospect as they continue their fight for survival in Spain’s top flight while the visitors hope to seal the title.

However, there are reasons for Espanyol to remain optimistic as since February, they’ve claimed four points against the Madrid giants—Atletico and Real—proving they can rise to the occasion against elite opposition. With their top-flight status still hanging in the balance, the Parakeets will need to summon that same resolve if they are to delay their rivals’ title celebrations.

Barcelona, on the other hand, are soaring after a sensational 4-3 victory in Sunday’s El Clásico, putting them within touching distance of a 28th La Liga crown and a domestic treble. Under Hansi Flick, the Blaugrana have dropped points in just two league games in 2025, winning 14, and are well aware that victory in this derby would mathematically secure the title, though the party could begin even earlier if Real Madrid fail to beat Mallorca beforehand.

History is also on Barcelona’s side. They remain unbeaten in La Liga matches at the RCDE Stadium since it opened in 2009, registering seven wins and six draws. Still, Flick will be wary of his team’s form away from home—both of their defeats in 2025 have come on the road. Patience may be key for the travelling fans, as eight of Barcelona’s last ten away goals in the league have come after the 60th minute.