Espanyol vs. Barcelona: A Clash of Understrength Rivals in Catalonia Semi-Final

BARCELONA, Spain — The Espanyol football club is set to host FC Barcelona this Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 8:45 p.m. local time at the Ciudad Deportiva Dani Jarque. This match marks the semi-finals of the Copa Catalunya for the 2024-2025 season.

Espanyol enters this crucial tie fresh off a narrow 1-0 victory over Sabadell in the quarter-finals, with Leo Salazar Hinojosa scoring the decisive goal despite Marc Jurado receiving a red card. In contrast, Barcelona secured its spot in the semi-finals without the need for a quarter-final match, having been directly qualified.

Barcelona’s squad will be led by coach Sergi Milá, featuring a blend of players from the Barcelona B team along with Juvenil A and B players. This reliance on younger talent comes as many of the first-team regulars will be absent due to national team duties during the international break.

Historically, the rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona is intense. Having faced each other 197 times across all competitions, Barcelona has triumphed in 119 encounters while Espanyol has managed to win just 35. This semi-final provides Espanyol with the rare opportunity to eliminate their fierce rival, especially with Barcelona fielding a significantly weakened team.

“This is a unique chance for us,” said Espanyol coach Manolo González. “Barcelona won’t have its star players, and that places the onus on us to take advantage.”

In anticipation of this critical fixture, the team dynamics for Barcelona appear challenging. Coach Hansi Flick will be without several key players, thus creating the necessity to integrate academy graduates into the starting lineup. This strategic shift allows young players to gain crucial experience in high-stakes matches.

“While we are proud to represent our club in this competition, the opportunity for our younger players to showcase their skills is equally important,” Flick stated. “They must seize this moment.”

The match will serve as a pathway for the winner to reach the finals, where they will face the victor between Girona and Andorra, with that match scheduled for early April.

The match will be broadcast in the United States on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and FuboTV. Comprehensive coverage will also be available through Mundo Deportivo USA.

This latest meeting in the Copa Catalunya signifies more than just a rivalry match; it promises to be a critical evaluation of the up-and-coming talent in both clubs as they vie for local supremacy amidst a backdrop of challenges.