Are Barcelona and Espanyol Rivals?

By Alice Nichols

Football clubs are known for their fierce rivalries, which have been built over time due to a variety of factors. One such rivalry that has gained attention in recent years is between Barcelona and Espanyol. But are they really rivals

Geographical Proximity

The two clubs are based in the same city – Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain – which automatically creates a sense of competition. The geographical proximity means that the two teams’ fans often overlap, leading to a natural rivalry.

History

The rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol dates back to the early 20th century when the two clubs first faced each other in a competitive match. Over time, the matches between them have become more intense due to their proximity and shared history. However, it’s essential to note that Espanyol has historically been considered a smaller club compared to Barcelona.

The Derbi Barceloní

The matches between Barcelona and Espanyol are known as the Derbi Barceloní. This match is one of the most anticipated games in Spanish football and is always played with great passion. The rivalry between the two teams is most evident during these games.

Success

Barcelona has had much more success than Espanyol over the years, both domestically and internationally. This disparity in success can sometimes lead to a lack of intensity in matches as there is no real competition.

The Verdict

In conclusion, while there is undoubtedly some animosity between fans of these two clubs, it’s hard to consider them true rivals given the difference in success on the field. Nonetheless, their shared history combined with geographical proximity makes for an exciting match when they face each other.

Ultimately, the answer to whether Barcelona and Espanyol are rivals or not is subjective and depends on who you ask. Nonetheless, the Derbi Barceloní between these two teams remains one of the most anticipated games in Spanish football.