La Liga resumes after the winter break with a highly anticipated Catalan derby as Espanyol host Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium. The Parakeets have been one of the surprise packages of the season, while the Blaugrana sit comfortably at the summit. Read on for our full preview of Espanyol vs Barcelona match.
The Matchday 18 clash takes place on Saturday, marking the first derby of 2026. With both teams arriving in excellent form, MatchPlug brings you the latest odds, analysis, and insights for Espanyol vs Barcelona.
Betting Preview for Espanyol vs Barcelona
● Venue: RCDE Stadium
● Date: Saturday (Matchday 18)
● Time: 21:00 CET
● Teams to play: Espanyol vs Barcelona
● Odds as provided by: 1XBet
Betting On Espanyol
● 1XBet Spread: +0.5
● 1XBet Moneyline: 3.90
● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
Espanyol head into the derby sitting fifth in La Liga with 33 points from 17 matches. They went into the winter break in scintillating form, having won five consecutive league matches, including an impressive 2-1 away victory over Athletic Club.
Defensive solidity has been key to their rise, with three of those five wins coming by 1-0 scorelines. At the RCDE Stadium, Espanyol have been particularly formidable, winning six of their nine home league games this season. That home strength gives them belief heading into this derby.
Betting On Barcelona
● 1XBet Spread: -0.5
● 1XBet Moneyline: 1.85
● 1XBet Over/Under: Under 2.5
Barcelona remain top of La Liga with 46 points, holding a four-point lead over Real Madrid. The Blaugrana went into the break on a high after a 2-0 away win over Villarreal, extending their league winning streak to eight matches.
With just two league defeats all season, Barcelona have been the most consistent side in Spain. However, there is a small vulnerability away from home, all three occasions where they dropped points this season came on the road, which could be a factor against an in-form Espanyol side.
MatchPlug Prediction for Espanyol vs Barcelona
This Catalan derby arrives with both teams in outstanding form, as Espanyol and Barcelona are the only sides in La Liga to have won their last five league matches. While Barcelona remain the stronger side on paper, Espanyol’s impressive home record and defensive discipline suggest this may not be straightforward.
With Espanyol winning six of their last nine home league games and Barcelona showing occasional fragility away from home, the hosts have a genuine chance of avoiding defeat.
Final Prediction: Draw
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