The first Derbi Barcelonés of 2026 promises dramatic tension as Barcelona travels the short distance to Cornellà, ready to extend their remarkable winning streak against a resilient Espanyol side.

After seven consecutive victories across all competitions, Barcelona enters the match with momentum and an opportunity to potentially open a seven-point lead at the top of La Liga. The Blaugrana are riding a wave of confidence following their impressive late-2025 performances, particularly after overcoming earlier season challenges.

Espanyol presents a formidable opponent, currently sitting fifth in the league table and boasting the league's most disciplined defensive record. Despite ranking near the bottom in possession and passing accuracy, they excel in defensive strategies, having kept the second-most clean sheets and ranking in the top five for goals conceded.

The match carries extra emotional weight with Joan Garcia, who previously played for Espanyol, now guarding Barcelona's goal. Garcia, who was instrumental in saving Espanyol from relegation last season, will face intense crowd pressure at the RCDE Stadium, where former fans may view his transfer as a betrayal.

Key players like Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen will be unavailable, adding complexity to Barcelona's tactical approach. The match kicks off at 9pm CET on Saturday, January 3rd, with referee Víctor García Verdura overseeing what promises to be a high-stakes local derby.

Goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic, the last La Liga goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet against Barcelona, will be crucial for Espanyol's defensive strategy. The team's approach—characterized by relentless pressure, high turnovers, and physical play—will test Barcelona's resolve and tactical flexibility.

For Barcelona, this match represents more than three points; it's an opportunity to continue their resurgence and potentially create separation in the title race before Real Madrid's challenging match against Real Betis. The Blaugrana will need a focused, disciplined performance to maintain their impressive run.