RCD Espanyol vs FC Barcelona Prediction 3 January 2026

Fifth place, 33 points, and a goal difference of 22:17 mark a remarkable breakthrough for Espanyol, who were battling relegation to the Segunda División until the very end of last season. Even more impressive is their recent form: victories over Sevilla (2–1), Celta Vigo (1–0), Rayo Vallecano (1–0), Getafe (1–0), and Athletic Club (2–1) underline just how difficult they have become to beat.

Barcelona, by contrast, arrive with far less momentum. Over the same five-match stretch, the Blaugrana have managed just one victory, suffering defeats to Alavés (1–3), Atlético Madrid (1–3), Real Betis (3–5), Osasuna (0–2), and Villarreal (0–2). Despite this wobble, Barcelona remain top of the table with 46 points and an impressive goal difference of 51:20, holding a four-point cushion over their nearest challenger.

For the first time in many years, this promises to be a genuinely competitive Catalan derby rather than a one-sided affair. Espanyol’s discipline, confidence, and defensive solidity suggest they are more than capable of troubling their arch-rivals, and it would not be surprising to see them breach Barcelona’s defense and hold their own — at least for a half — in what should be a tense and fiercely contested encounter.

Draw in one of the halves (yes) 1.74