Espanyol vs Barcelona: La Liga title on hold as Real Madrid watch hosts scare Barca in derby

Toiling Barcelona survived two major scares to reach the break level at Espanyol on a night when victory would give Hansi Flick’s side the La Liga title with two matches to spare.

Espanyol showed their swift counter-attacking abilities four minutes in at the RCDE Stadium, where Roberto Fernandez threaded Urko Gonzalez through on goal for the recipient to roll a finish narrowly wide.

Visiting goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny then made an excellent save at full stretch to turn Javi Puado’s strike behind after the forward broke clear through the middle.

The Derbi Barceloní is underway 🔥

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Espanyol vs Barcelona

Barcelona have scored 95 league goals this season and enjoyed the vast majority of possession before the break but could only produce a solitary attempt on target.

Espanyol, who are not mathematically clear of relegation, found space to attack inside opposition territory with ease at times, repeatedly threatening while occasionally not making the most of inviting opportunities.

In the absence of suspended centre-back Inigo Martinez, Barca fielded an unfamiliar back four of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin, who was replaced by Alejandro Balde at half-time, as part of a vulnerable-looking defensive display.

A point would move Barcelona five points clear of second-placed Real Madrid and realistically needing a point from their remaining two fixtures because of their 23-goal superiority.

The reigning champions came from behind to beat Mallorca 2-1 at home on Wednesday through Kylian Mbappe’s equaliser and Jacobo Ramon’s 95th-minute winner.

Som-hi, Barça! 💙❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/yaywAin9uC

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 15, 2025

When will Barcelona win La Liga?

Should they not beat Espanyol, Barca can win their 28th La Liga crown at home against fifth-placed Villarreal on Sunday (18:00 BST).

Madrid are simultaneously away to 14th-placed Sevilla before hosting midtable Real Sociedad in their final game of the season.

Barcelona are away to an Athletic Club side chasing Champions League qualification in their closing fixture, by which time Flick will hope to have become a champion in his first season in Spain.

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