Espanyol vs Barcelona, January 3, 2026 – Live Streaming & Match Preview

Match Overview

The Derbi Barceloní returns to center stage as the first major footballing event of 2026. This isn't just a battle for local bragging rights; for the first time in over a decade, both FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol enter the derby ranked within the La Liga top five. Hansi Flick's Barça side currently leads the table by four points, while Manolo González has transformed the "Parakeets" into a defensive powerhouse sitting comfortably in 5th place.

With Barcelona on an eight-game winning streak and Espanyol having won their last five, the stakes at the RCDE Stadium couldn't be higher. All eyes will also be on goalkeeper Joan García, who makes a highly anticipated return to his former home after a stellar start to the season with the Blaugrana.

How to Watch: TV Channels & Live Streaming

Fans worldwide can tune in to witness the action on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The match is scheduled for a 21:00 CET (Local Time) kick-off.

• Spain: DAZN LaLiga, Movistar+
• United Kingdom: Disney+ (Exclusive Streaming), Premier Sports
• USA: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
• Canada: TSN, RDS
• India: Fancode, GXR World
• Australia: Optus Sport

Predicted Lineups

FC Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Manager: Hansi Flick

• Goalkeeper: Joan García
• Defenders: Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Alejandro Balde
• Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri (Double Pivot)
• Attacking Midfield: Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha
• Forward: Ferran Torres

RCD Espanyol Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Manager: Manolo González

• Goalkeeper: Marko Dmitrović
• Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
• Midfielders: Urko González, Pol Lozano, Edu Expósito
• Forwards: Jofre Carreras, Pere Milla, Roberto Fernández

Match Preview & Tactical Analysis

Tactically, this match pits the league's most explosive offense against its most disciplined defense. Barcelona has averaged nearly 2.8 goals per match this season, driven by the creative brilliance of Lamine Yamal and the relentless pressing system implemented by Hansi Flick. However, they have shown vulnerability on the break, conceding 10 first-half goals in away fixtures this season.

Espanyol, meanwhile, will rely on a low block and the playmaking skills of Edu Expósito. The "Parakeets" have conceded only 17 goals in 17 matches, a record that rivals the league leaders. Their strategy will likely involve absorbing pressure and launching direct counters to Pere Milla, who has been clinical in front of goal this term.

Recent Head-to-Head

Barcelona has dominated this fixture historically, remaining unbeaten in their last 28 La Liga encounters against Espanyol. However, the last few meetings have shown that the gap is narrowing.

Date	Match	Result	Competition
May 15, 2025	Espanyol vs Barcelona	0 - 2	La Liga
Nov 3, 2024	Barcelona vs Espanyol	3 - 1	La Liga
May 14, 2023	Espanyol vs Barcelona	2 - 4	La Liga
Dec 31, 2022	Barcelona vs Espanyol	1 - 1	La Liga

Prediction

While Espanyol is in the best form they’ve seen in years, the sheer individual quality of Barcelona's frontline—boosted by the returns of Pedri and Dani Olmo to the squad—might be too much to handle. Expect a tight first half, but for Barça to pull away late in the game.

Final Score Prediction: Espanyol 1 - 2 Barcelona