Espanyol, the Barcelona-based football club, has had a long-standing rivalry with their city neighbors, FC Barcelona. Over the years, the battle for supremacy between these two teams has been intense and closely watched by football enthusiasts around the world. While Barcelona has undoubtedly been the more successful team in terms of trophies and global recognition, there have been instances where Espanyol has managed to finish above their illustrious rivals.
The Historical Perspective
Barcelona’s dominance in Spanish and European football is well-documented. The club boasts a rich history and a glittering trophy cabinet that includes numerous La Liga titles and Champions League triumphs. Espanyol, on the other hand, has had a more modest record in comparison but still holds its own as one of Spain’s oldest football clubs.
Espanyol’s most significant achievement came in the 1987-1988 season when they finished above Barcelona in La Liga. Led by coach Javier Clemente, Espanyol secured third place while Barcelona ended up in fourth position. This feat was celebrated by Espanyol fans as a monumental triumph over their more illustrious city rivals.
The 2006-2007 Season
Another memorable season for Espanyol came in 2006-2007 when they finished above Barcelona yet again. Under the guidance of coach Ernesto Valverde, Espanyol clinched an impressive fifth-place finish while Barcelona ended up in third place. This achievement was particularly significant as it also meant securing a spot in the UEFA Cup for Espanyol.
The Impact on Rivalry
These instances of Espanyol finishing above Barcelona added fuel to an already fiery rivalry between the two clubs. For Espanyol fans, these achievements served as a source of immense pride and bragging rights over their more successful neighbors. It also provided hope that Espanyol could challenge Barcelona’s dominance in the future.
However, it is important to note that these instances have been rare occurrences. Barcelona’s consistent success and dominance in Spanish football have often overshadowed Espanyol’s achievements. The ‘Blaugrana’ have continued to set high standards both domestically and internationally, making it challenging for any team, including Espanyol, to consistently finish above them.
The Current Scenario
In recent years, Barcelona has maintained their position as one of Europe’s top clubs, while Espanyol has faced various challenges, including relegation from La Liga in the 2019-2020 season. This further emphasizes the gap between the two teams at present.
The Rivalry Continues
Despite the disparities in success and league positions, the rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona remains intense. The derbies between these two clubs are highly anticipated fixtures on the Spanish football calendar.
While Espanyol may not have finished above Barcelona in recent times, football is unpredictable, and upsets can happen. The beauty of this rivalry lies in its unpredictability and the potential for surprises.
- In conclusion, while Espanyol has managed to finish above Barcelona on a few occasions throughout history, the overall dominance of Barcelona cannot be denied. However, these moments serve as reminders that underdogs can sometimes rise to the occasion and upset established hierarchies in football.