Meta Description: Explore the full Espanyol vs FC Barcelona 2025 La Liga derby: goals, stats, lineups, player highlights (including Lamine Yamal), league standings, and where to watch. SEO-optimized match analysis.
Espanyol vs FC Barcelona – Complete 2025 La Liga Derby Match Report
Table of Contents
- Match Context & Significance
- Match Summary & Timeline
- Detailed Starting Lineups
- In-Depth Match Statistics
- Lamine Yamal: The Prodigy
- Tactical Breakdown
- La Liga Standings After the Game
- Manager Reactions
- Off-Field Events & Security Concerns
- Where to Watch Replay & Highlights
- Conclusion & What’s Next
Match Situation & Significance
The Barcelona derby is always a high-stakes situation and this year’s meeting was particularly momentous between Espanyol and FC Barcelona. The match took place on May 15, 2025 and could see Barcelona can mathematically clinch the La Liga title. Espanyol was looking to upset their rival and stay of the relegation zone in La Liga.
With Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski and Pedri performing, the odds were heavily in favour of FCB—but derbies are unpredictable.
Match Summary & Timeline
- Kickoff: 20:00 CEST at RCDE Stadium
- 1st Half: Dominated by Barcelona, though Espanyol’s defense held firm
- 53rd Minute – Goal (0-1): Lamine Yamal curled in a stunning shot from 25 yards out after beating two defenders
- 79th Minute – Red Card: Leandro Cabrera of Espanyol received a straight red for a last-man foul on Yamal
- 90+5 Minute – Goal (0-2): Fermín López finished a rebound to secure the win and the title
Barcelona maintained 80% possession and controlled the tempo from start to finish.
Detailed Starting Lineups
FC Barcelona (4-3-3):
- GK: Szczęsny
- DEF: Koundé, Cubarsí, Iñigo Martínez, Balde
- MID: De Jong, Pedri, Fermín López
- FW: Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Espanyol (4-3-3):
- GK: Joan García
- DEF: Omar El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero
- MID: Aguado, Kral, Bauzá
- FW: Carreras, Puado, Tejero
Notable absence: Gavi (injured), João Félix (unused substitute)
In-Depth Match Statistics
| Stat | Barcelona | Espanyol |
| Possession | 80% | 20% |
| Shots | 14 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 92% | 78% |
| Fouls Committed | 10 | 15 |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 (Cabrera) |
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
Barcelona’s pressing and recovery in midfield limited Espanyol to under 300 total passes for the game.
Lamine Yamal: The Prodigy
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal continues to make headlines across Europe. Already with:
- 10 La Liga goals this season
- Youngest goalscorer in El Clásico history
- Second-youngest ever to score in UEFA Champions League
Yamal’s match-winning goal against Espanyol cemented his legend status among fans.
“Lamine is more than just potential—he’s already world-class,” said manager Hansi Flick post-match.
Tactical Breakdown
Barcelona’s key strategies:
- Inverted Fullbacks: Balde often tucked into midfield to create numerical superiority
- False 9 Role: Lewandowski dropped deep to allow Yamal and Raphinha to exploit wide areas
- High Press: De Jong and Pedri intercepted Espanyol’s build-up with ease
Espanyol’s response:
- Deep 4-5-1 mid-block
- Occasional counterattacks through Javi Puado
- Overwhelmed after going down to 10 men
La Liga Standings After the Game
After 34 rounds, the top of the La Liga standings 2025:
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | Barcelona | 79 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 75 |
| 3 | Atlético | 70 |
| 4 | Girona | 65 |
Barcelona are now uncatchable, confirming their 28th La Liga crown.
Manager Reactions
Hansi Flick (FCB):
“I promised no on-pitch celebrations out of respect. Our job was to win, and we did.”
Espanyol Manager:
“We played with pride but lacked the sharpness. Yamal’s goal broke our spirit.”
The professionalism from both camps was praised by media and fans alike.
Off-Field Events & Security Concerns
And then, unfortunately, after the game a car drove into a group of patrons outside the stadium. Police have said it was an accident, the driver was arrested, 13 are injured, none serious.
The two clubs FC Barcelona and Espanyol released joint statements condemning violence and supporting the injured.
Where to Watch Replay & Highlights
Live Broadcast Partners:
- ESPN+ (US)
- Viaplay (UK/NL)
- DAZN (Canada, Spain)
- Movistar LaLiga (Spain)
Highlights available on:
- FC Barcelona’s YouTube
- La Liga’s official app
- ESPN FC & CBS Sports app
Conclusion & What’s Next
Barcelona’s victory over Espanyol wasn’t just about bragging rights—it defined their 2024–25 season:
- Copa del Rey
- La Liga
- Champions League semi-finalist
- Youth development under Flick
Next: Barcelona will host their final two La Liga matches and prepare for summer signings. Espanyol, meanwhile, must fight to remain in the top flight.
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