Against an Espanyol fighting for Europa League football, there will be no margin for error for Barcelona if they are to stay alive in their quest for LaLiga, as it is one single game that will determine which of the two teams inches closer towards their ultimate goal.
At Estadio Cornella El-Prat, both sides need a win, and the nature of the derby means intensity and high-pressure is a given.
There are some similarities as to how each will have to achieve each of their goals at this stage, since it isn’t entirely in their hands, as the results of other teams will dictate their fate.
Barcelona need Real Madrid to slip up, and are well aware that anything less than four wins out of the remaining four matches will mean the LaLiga title heads the Spanish capital’s way.
For Espanyol, they’ll need to beat Barcelona, wait for other results to go their way, and then hope the Azulgrana beat Alaves in the Copa del Rey final.
No strangers to spoiling LaLiga for Barcelona, this is the most formidable Espanyol side in recent memory, having achieved a 50 point season for the first time in 12 years.
Recent derbies have fallen in Barcelona’s favour but they’ve had to fight for each victory, as they haven’t come easily.
A Clasico win and goalfest against Osasuna mean Luis Enrique’s side have regained their confidence, but the Tamudazo remains in recent memory.
