La Liga will resume after the winter break with a highly anticipated match Catalan derby while Espanyol host Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium. The parakeets were one of the surprise packages of the season, while the Blaugrana sit comfortably at the top. Read on for our full preview of the Espanyol vs Barcelona match.
Matchday 18 takes place on Saturday and marks the first derby of 2026. With both teams arriving in excellent form, MatchPlug brings you the latest odds, analysis and insights for Espanyol versus Barcelona.
Betting example for Espanyol vs Barcelona
● Location: RCDE Stadium
● Date: Saturday (matchday 18)
● Time: 9:00 PM CET
● Teams to play: Espanyol vs Barcelona
● Opportunities as provided by: 1XBet
Bet on Espanyol
● 1XBet spread: +0.5
● 1XBet Moneyline: 3.90
● 1XInset top/bottom: Below 2.5
Espanyol goes into the derby fifth in La Liga with 33 points from 17 games. They went into the winter break in sparkling form, having won five league matches in a row, including an impressive 2-1 away win over Athletic Club.
Defensive solidity has been key to their rise, with three of their five wins coming 1-0. Espanyol were particularly formidable at the RCDE Stadium, winning six of their nine home games this season. That home strength gives them confidence heading into this derby.
Betting on Barcelona
● 1XBet spread: -0.5
● 1XBet Moneyline: 1.85
● 1XInset top/bottom: Below 2.5
Barcelona remains the leader in La Liga with 46 points and has a four-point lead over Real Madrid. The Blaugrana went into half-time on a high after a 2-0 win over Villarreal to extend their league winning streak to eight games.
With just two league defeats all season, Barcelona are the most consistent team in Spain. However, there is a little vulnerability outdoors. All three times they have dropped points this season they have come by, 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 excellent form, as Espanyol and Barcelona are the only sides in La Liga to have won their last five league matches. While Barcelona remain the strongest side on paper, Espanyol’s impressive home record and defensive discipline suggest this may not be easy.
With Espanyol winning six of their last nine home league games and Barcelona occasionally vulnerable away from home, the home side have a real chance of avoiding defeat.
Final prediction: To draw
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