What Are the Two Football Teams in Barcelona?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona, a vibrant and culturally rich city in Spain, is home to not one but two renowned football teams – FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol. Let’s delve into the history, achievements, and rivalries of these two iconic clubs.

FC Barcelona

Founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English, and Catalan football enthusiasts, FC Barcelona is one of the most successful and beloved football clubs in the world.

Achievements

Over the years, FC Barcelona has achieved numerous milestones:

  • La Liga: With 26 championships, FC Barcelona holds the record for winning the Spanish league title the most times.
  • UEFA Champions League: The club has won this prestigious competition five times, with their latest victory in 2015.
  • Copa del Rey: FC Barcelona has triumphed in this Spanish domestic cup competition an incredible 31 times.

Rivalries

No discussion about FC Barcelona is complete without mentioning their fierce rivalry with Real Madrid. Known as “El Clásico,” this clash between two of Spain’s biggest clubs generates immense excitement worldwide.

RCD Espanyol

Royal Spanish Football Club Espanyol de Barcelona, commonly referred to as RCD Espanyol or simply Espanyol, is another prominent football club based in Barcelona.

Achievements

Espanyol has its share of accomplishments:

  • Copa del Rey: The club has won this prestigious tournament four times, with their most recent victory in 2006.
  • UEFA Europa League: Espanyol reached the final of this competition in 1988 and 2007, narrowly missing out on claiming the title.

Rivalry

Espanyol’s most significant rivalry is with FC Barcelona. The matches between these two teams are known as the “Derbi Barceloní,” showcasing the city’s footballing divide.

In conclusion, Barcelona boasts not one but two exceptional football teams – FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol. While FC Barcelona has garnered worldwide fame and success, RCD Espanyol has also left its mark on Spanish football. Whether it’s cheering for the Blaugrana or Periquitos, Barcelona residents have a rich footballing heritage to celebrate.