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Opposition lowdown: FC Barcelona
Barça are next up for RCD Espanyol in the Barcelona derby
RCD Espanyol take on FC Barcelona in the Barcelona derby at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
In their final match of 2022 on New Year’s Eve, Espanyol are looking to resume the LaLiga season in fashion. They take on city rivals Barça who currently sit top of the league, in what is set to be an enticing derby to round off the year.
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Name: FC Barcelona
Nickname: Blaugrana (Blue and maroon)
Manager: Xavi
Stadium: Camp Nou – 99,354 capacity
Last match: W 2-1 vs CA Osasuna
Last season: 2nd
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Last meeting
Espanyol were the hosts for the last derby in February, in what was a thriller that somehow ended all square. Pedri’s early opener for the visitors was cancelled out by a gorgeous striker by Sergi Darder, curling it into the top corner from outside the box.
Raúl de Tomás then gave the pericos the lead in the second half, with a frantic conclusion seeing both teams reduced to 10 men before Barça snatched a point right at the death. It ended 2-2 at the RCDE Stadium, leaving that extra motivation for Espanyol to win this time round.
Key player
Ousmane Dembélé has been hitting his stride for club and country this year, after being riddled with injury problems in the past. The technical French winger has four goals and five assists in the league this season, with the most assists in the Barça squad and the second-most in LaLiga.
Club links
Aleix Vidal has represented both sides of Barcelona in his career, both during his formative years and professional career. Having played for Barça from 2015 to 2018, the 33-year-old returned to Espanyol in 2021 as he closes in on half a century of appearances.
Braithback
Having switched Blaugrana for blanquiazul in September, Martin Braithwaite is back at the Camp Nou for the first time since his departure.
The Dane spent two and-a-half years with the Blaugrana and is now enjoying life across town at the RCDE Stadium. Having returned from the World Cup with Denmark and with three goals to his name so far, Braithwaite will be hoping for a decent derby day performance.