The moment is near for Barcelona to reclaim the La Liga championship. By simply avoiding defeat against their local rivals Espanyol, the team can secure the league title. This potential triumph would add to the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey trophies already claimed this season. Although Espanyol has managed to avoid relegation since their return to La Liga, they face a formidable challenge in containing Barcelona`s potent attack, which has been a threat to every opponent this season.
Adding further motivation, Robert Lewandowski is competing for the La Liga Golden Boot, providing another incentive for Barcelona to score as many goals as possible in this encounter. Having previously missed an opportunity to win the league without playing due to a late goal in another match, Barcelona is determined to seal the title themselves now that their fate is in their hands.
Match Information
- Date: Thursday, May 15
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: RCDE Stadium — Cornella de Llobregat, Spain
Title Scenario for Barcelona
To secure the La Liga title on Thursday, Barcelona needs only to win or draw against Espanyol.
Recent Encounter
In their previous meeting, Dani Olmo was instrumental for Barcelona, scoring twice in the first half. Barcelona established an early lead, netting a goal just 12 minutes in and building a 3-1 advantage by halftime. Espanyol managed to pull one back, but it wasn`t enough, resulting in a 3-1 defeat – a respectable scoreline given Barcelona`s dominance.
Predicted Lineups
Espanyol: Joan Garcia, Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Edu Exposito, Urko Gonzalez, Jofre Carreras, Alex Kral, Javier Puado, Roberto Fernandez
Barcelona: Wokciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres
Player Spotlight: Lamine Yamal
Highlighting just one player in Barcelona`s captivating attack is difficult, but Lamine Yamal stands out due to his extraordinary abilities. At only 17 years old, Yamal has already made over 100 appearances for Barcelona and become a vital winger for both his club and the Spanish national team. Comparisons at his age are often made only to legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, whom he is statistically outpacing. Yamal is captivating to watch; his remarkable vision allows him to influence the game significantly, no matter his position on the field.
Match Prediction
Expect Barcelona to score early and often in this match. With players like Raphinha potentially aiming for individual accolades and Lewandowski chasing the Golden Boot, Barcelona will likely maintain their attacking intensity even after the result seems secured, as there are personal goals to pursue. Our pick: Espanyol 1, Barcelona 5.
