FC Barcelona vs RCD Espanyol de Barcelona

Both clubs are among the most historic in LALIGA: FC Barcelona has competed in every season of LALIGA EA SPORTS since its creation in 1928, while RCD Espanyol has missed only six seasons (out of 95), during which it played in LALIGA HYPERMOTION.

This makes ELDERBI DE BARCELONA one of the most frequently contested fixtures in Spanish football history, in a rivalry that goes beyond the stadiums. For 90 minutes, the entire city of Barcelona comes to a standstill, with fans from both clubs fully engaged.

HISTORY OF THE CATALAN DERBY

The rivalry between Barcelona’s two main clubs, FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol, began in 1900. Just a year after FC Barcelona was founded, the first official record of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona was signed. By October of that year, and in December 1900, both teams faced each other for the first time in a friendly, which ended 0-0.

The early 20th century saw football rapidly gaining popularity, intensifying the rivalry. This was further fueled by both clubs competing in the Catalonia Football Championship, which served as qualification for the Copa de España (today’s Copa del Rey). Being the two most important teams in Barcelona, their competition naturally grew.

The rivalry reached a peak in 1929, when LALIGA EA SPORTS was contested for the first time. FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol were founding members of the league, which Barça won that season. The first LALIGA clash between the two Catalan rivals took place on 7 April 1929 at Les Corts, with FC Barcelona winning 1-0 thanks to a goal by Sastre. The return match on 16 June at Montjuïc ended in a 1-1 draw.

Earlier, in January 1929, RCD Espanyol had beaten FC Barcelona in the Copa semifinals (2-0 at Sarriá, 1-1 at Les Corts), before going on to defeat Real Madrid in the final.

LEADERS OF THE DERBIES

In the history of ELDERBI DE BARCELONA, three players stand out for their records. Xavi Hernández (1999–2015) holds the record for the most appearances, with 36 matches across all competitions, 31 of them in LALIGA EA SPORTS. The second-highest is Leo Messi (2004–2020), who made his official debut against the local rival and faced them 35 times, 27 in LALIGA.

On the Espanyol side, Antonio Argilés (1950–1963) has the most appearances in ELDERBI DE BARCELONA, with 20 matches. Including the Copa, he played 25 top-rivalry matches.

The all-time top scorers table is led by Leo Messi, who scored 25 goals against RCD Espanyol, 22 in LALIGA EA SPORTS. He is followed by Josep Escolá (1934–37; 1940–48) with 14 goals, 8 of them in LALIGA.

Espanyol’s top scorer is Rafael Marañón (1974–1983), ranking fifth overall after César Rodríguez (1942–1955, 11 goals) and Luis Suárez (2014–2020, 10 goals), with 9 goals in 17 matches, all in the league.

CATALAN DERBY STATISTICS

As founding members of LALIGA EA SPORTS, and among the clubs with the most seasons in the top flight (95 for Barça, 89 for Espanyol), the number of encounters between the two sides reaches 179.

Of these, 105 were won by FC Barcelona, 34 by RCD Espanyol, with 40 draws. Goal statistics also favor Barça heavily: 347 goals for FC Barcelona vs. 184 for Espanyol.

Across all competitions, including the Supercopa de España (2), Copa del Rey (36), and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (2), the total is 217 matches: 129 wins for Barcelona, 44 for Espanyol, and 46 draws. Goals tally 418 for FC Barcelona and 229 for RCD Espanyol.