Overview
- Kickoff is set for 21:00 CET at the RCDE Stadium, with Barcelona leading LaLiga and Espanyol arriving on a strong run that has them competing for European places.
- Espanyol issued a call for calm, installed protective netting behind both goals, and coordinated a reinforced police presence due to tensions around former homegrown goalkeeper Joan García.
- Lamine Yamal returned to training after a brief indisposition and is available for Hansi Flick, who has been refining a settled XI with Pedri back and decisions pending in midfield.
- Broadcasts vary by territory: Movistar/DAZN in Spain, Sky Sports in Mexico, ESPN/ESPN+ in the United States, and DIRECTV/DSports/DGO or Disney+/Star+ across much of Latin America.
- Pere Milla’s joking remark about ‘stepping on’ Lamine Yamal added to the derby’s edge, and in separate injury news, AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said Santiago Giménez will be out three to four months with Niclas Füllkrug arriving to help cover.