Why Do Barcelona Hate Espanyol?

By Robert Palmer

Barcelona and Espanyol are two popular football teams from the Catalonia region of Spain. While they share a city, they have a fierce rivalry that goes beyond the football pitch. The hostility between these two teams has been on display for many years, and it begs the question – why do Barcelona hate Espanyol?

A Brief History of Barcelona and Espanyol

Barcelona Football Club was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English and Catalan footballers. They are one of the most successful clubs in Europe, having won numerous domestic and international trophies over the years. Espanyol, on the other hand, was founded in 1900 by a group of Spanish university students.

The rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol began in the early 20th century when both teams were playing in regional leagues. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that their rivalry intensified as they started playing each other regularly in La Liga.

Political Differences

One of the reasons for this intense rivalry is political differences between the two clubs. Barcelona represents Catalan nationalism and independence while Espanyol represents Spanish nationalism. This political difference has intensified since Franco’s dictatorship ended in Spain.

Language

Another reason for this intense rivalry is language. The primary language spoken in Catalonia is Catalan while Spanish is spoken throughout Spain. Barcelona Football Club has always promoted Catalan culture and language, which has been seen as an affront to Espanyol fans who identify as Spanish.

Success on the Pitch

Barcelona’s success on the pitch may also be another reason why they hate Espanyol so much. Over the years, Barcelona has consistently outperformed their rivals both domestically and internationally.

  • FC Barcelona has won La Liga a record 26 times compared to Espanyol’s four
  • FC Barcelona has won the European Cup/UEFA Champions League five times compared to Espanyol’s zero
  • FC Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey a record 30 times compared to Espanyol’s four

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol can be attributed to political, cultural, linguistic, and sporting differences. This rivalry is not only limited to football but also extends to other aspects of life. While some fans may take this rivalry too far, it is important to remember that football is just a game.