Overview
- The LaLiga match at RCDE Stadium kicks off at 21:00 CET (3:00 p.m. Peru/Colombia/Ecuador, 2:00 p.m. Mexico, 3:00 p.m. US ET).
- Barcelona arrive as league leaders on 46 points after a sustained winning run, while Espanyol are in fifth with roughly 33 points and a streak of recent victories.
- Barcelona’s reported absences include Gavi and Andreas Christensen, with Pedri and Dani Olmo listed as doubts, and Espanyol are without Charles Pickel due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Local tension features protective nets installed behind the goals for the return of ex-Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García and a Pere Milla quip about “stepping on” Lamine Yamal circulating in the buildup.
- Broadcast options include Movistar/DAZN in Spain, DIRECTV Sports/DGO across much of South America, ESPN Select/ESPN Deportes/fuboTV in the United States, and Sky Sports in Mexico, with outlets differing on whether this is matchday 18 or 19.