Barcelona 2-0 Espanyol: Yamal Strikes Early, Torres Seals Catalan Derby at RCDE Stadium
Barcelona vs Espanyol 2-0 match happened in the Catalan derby on 3rd January 2026 at RCDE Stadium. This match did not felt difficult for Barcelona because they stayed in control also control the Espanyol all over the match.
Match Basics
Barcelona vs Espanyol 2-0:
Competition: La Liga 2025–26.
Date & Venue: 3 January 2026, RCDE Stadium (Cornella, Barcelona area).
Final Score: Espanyol 0–2 Barcelona.
Winner: Barcelona.
Attendance: Packed stadium with intense derby energy on both sides.
Barcelona injury preview ahead of this derby.
Earlier this season, Barcelona showed how important a fast start can be in big La Liga games, as seen in the Barcelona vs Osasuna match at Camp Nou.
Also you can read the Barcelona’s journey from 2021 to Present from our blog page.
You can check the official details for Espanyol vs Barcelona, including broadcast info, on the club’s match page Official Espanyol vs Barcelona match info.
Starting Lineups
Espanyol (4-2-3-1):
GK: Marko Dmitrović.
DEF: Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero.
MID: Pol Lozano, Urko González de Zarate.
ATT: Tyrhys Dolan, Edu Expósito, Pere Milla; ST: Roberto Fernández.
Barcelona (4-2-3-1):
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny.
DEF: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Alejandro Balde.
MID: Marc Bernal, Pedri.
ATT: Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha; ST: Ferran Torres.
Goal Scorers & Timings
Barcelona goals:
34′ – Lamine Yamal received the ball on the right, and fooled the defender Brian Oliván Calero then calmly hit a low shot into the far corner.
72′ – Raphinha passes the excellent cross to Ferran Torres, then he jumped above the defenders and receive the ball and headed at the back post.
Espanyol goals:
None (0 shots on target).
Key Defenders
Barcelona Defense (solid, 0 goals conceded):
Jules Koundé: 7 tackles, won all duels vs Milla.
Pau Cubarsí: Key blocks on Dolan counters.
Alejandro Balde: Advanced well, 2 interceptions.
Espanyol Defense (under pressure): Fernando Calero: Yellow card, struggled with Yamal’s dribbles.
Leandro Cabrera: Lost marking on Torres’ goal.
Marko Dmitrović (GK): 4 saves, but beaten twice.
Key Midfield Battles
Pedri (Barça): 92% pass accuracy, 1 assist, dictated tempo.
Fermín López (Barça): Pressed high, won 6 balls.
Pol Lozano (Espanyol): 5 tackles, but overrun late.
Edu Expósito (Espanyol): Few progressive passes.
Top Attackers
Barcelona:
Lamine Yamal: 1 goal, 3/4 dribbles, constant threat on right.
Ferran Torres: 1 goal, held up play effectively.
Raphinha: 1 assist, 2 key passes.
Espanyol:
Pere Milla: 1 big chance created, quiet otherwise.
Roberto Fernández: Isolated up top, no shots on target.
Tyrhys Dolan: Wide threat early, faded.
Key Moments
12′: Dmitrović saves from Yamal’s curling shot.
34′: Yamal goal – Barcelona break deadlock.
45’+2′: VAR checks penalty claim (no award).
62′: Flick subs Pedri off for Gavi.
72′: Torres heads in winner.
88′: Calero yellow for foul on Raphinha.
