Espanyol vs. Barcelona Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 15 May 2025 - bettingexpert
On the 15th of May 2025, Espanyol will host Barcelona in a crucial Catalan derby at the RCDE Stadium. The match kicks off at 20:30 and sees both teams in need of points for very different reasons. Barcelona, leading the La Liga table with 82 points, are just one win away from securing their 28th La Liga title. Meanwhile, Espanyol, positioned 15th with 39 points, are fighting to steer clear of relegation.
Barcelona come into this match riding high after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Real Madrid, thanks to impressive performances from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Espanyol, on the other hand, have struggled with form, managing just one win in their last five matches.
Manolo González’s side will miss key players like Brian Oliván and Pol Lozano due to injuries, while Barcelona are favorites with odds heavily in their favour. The match will be officiated by Cesar Soto, known for his average of 4.4 yellow cards per game.
Given the scoring prowess on display and both teams’ recent form, our recommended bet is for both teams to score.
This encounter promises excitement and drama, with both teams eager to earn crucial points in front of a passionate crowd.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the scoring trends and recent performances, our recommended betting tip is for both teams to score. This suggestion aligns with the noticeable patterns from the teams’ recent encounters and their overall performance in the season.
| Espanyol vs Barcelona Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Both teams to score | 1.75 |
- Espanyol has netted in 9 of their last 10 home games.
- Barcelona has found the back of the net in all their last 10 away fixtures.
- Both teams scored in 4 out of their last 5 head-to-head clashes.
With all these factors considered, it’s highly probable that both teams will contribute to the scoreboard.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Odds
Examining the betting odds for this Catalan derby, Barcelona emerges as the clear favorite. With their consistent form and recent victory over Real Madrid, it’s no surprise that bookmakers heavily back the Blaugrana for a win.
| Espanyol vs Barcelona Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Espanyol | 9.13 |
| Draw | 5.70 |
| Barcelona | 1.29 |
Barcelona’s dominant position in La Liga and Espanyol’s struggle to distance themselves from the relegation zone make for an interesting betting landscape, where a win for the away side is highly anticipated.
Espanyol Team Analysis
Espanyol Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leganes | Espanyol | 2025-05-11 | LaLiga | 3-2 (Loss) |
| Espanyol | Real Betis | 2025-05-04 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Villarreal | Espanyol | 2025-04-27 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Valencia | Espanyol | 2025-04-22 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Espanyol | Getafe | 2025-04-18 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
Espanyol’s recent form has been far from encouraging. With only one win in their last five league matches (LLLDW), they’ve struggled to find consistency. They’ve averaged 1.00 goals per game over these matches but have also conceded heavily. Despite this, they’ve managed one clean sheet, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
Key stats:
- Average goals scored: 1.00 per game in the last 5 matches
- Clean sheets: 1 in the last 5 matches
Coach Manolo González will need to rally his squad to improve their defensive record and turn their form around to avoid getting dragged closer to the relegation zone.
Espanyol Key Players
Espanyol’s standout player this season has been Javier Puado, their top scorer with 11 goals. He will be crucial in creating and capitalizing on scoring opportunities against a strong Barcelona side.
Roberto Fernández, likely to partner with Puado in attack, also holds the responsibility of breaking down Barcelona’s defense. They will need to contend with Barcelona’s defensive duo of Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen.
Expected lineup for Espanyol:
- Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
- Defenders: Jofre Carreras, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
- Midfielders: Eduardo Expósito, Urko González de Zárate, Fernando Calero
- Attackers: Antoniu Roca, Roberto Fernández Jaén, Javi Puado
The dynamic mix of attacking prowess and solid midfield play will be essential to counter Barcelona’s potent offense.
Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries
Espanyol faces some challenges with injuries to key players which could impact their performance in the upcoming match against Barcelona. The following table details the injured players and their expected return dates:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Oliván | Foot injury | Late May 2025 |
| Pol Lozano | Foot injury | Late May 2025 |
These injuries to Brian Oliván and Pol Lozano could weaken Espanyol’s lineup, especially in their defensive and midfield areas.
No suspensions have been reported for Espanyol, allowing them to field their strongest available lineup.
Espanyol Tactics and Formation
Espanyol Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Javier Puado (11 goals this season)
- Midfield Trio: Eduardo Expósito, Urko González de Zárate, Fernando Calero
- Defensive Lineup: Jofre Carreras, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
- Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
Despite their struggles in recent matches, Espanyol are likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a robust midfield to control the game’s tempo and support both defense and attack. Their forward line, led by top scorer Javier Puado, will aim to exploit any gaps in Barcelona’s defense, especially in the absence of key defenders like Jules Koundé. In defense, the return of Jofre Carreras can add stability, while Joan Garcia’s shot-stopping abilities will be crucial.
Barcelona Team Analysis
Barcelona Recent Performance
Barcelona have been in impressive form recently:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Real Madrid | 2025-05-11 | LaLiga | 4-3 (Win) |
| Inter | Barcelona | 2025-05-06 | Champions League Final Stage | 3-3 (Loss in Extra Time) |
| Real Valladolid | Barcelona | 2025-05-03 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Inter | 2025-04-30 | Champions League Final Stage | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Barcelona | Real Madrid | 2025-04-26 | Copa del Rey | 2-2 (Win in Extra Time) |
Recent Form: WLWDW
Barcelona’s recent performances have been a mixed bag but predominantly positive. They have showcased their scoring prowess by averaging 3.00 goals per game in their last five matches and netting consistently in each of these encounters. The team, however, hasn’t recorded any clean sheets in the same period, indicating potential vulnerabilities in defense.
With first place firmly in their grasp, and an away game next against Villarreal, Barcelona will aim to continue their prolific goal-scoring form while tightening up their defense.
Barcelona Key Players
Barcelona boasts a plethora of star players in their lineup, each capable of turning the game on its head. Robert Lewandowski, their top scorer with 25 goals this season, will be the focal point of their attack. He has an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net and will pose a significant challenge for Espanyol’s defense.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are crucial in the midfield, orchestrating play and providing both defensive stability and attacking impetus. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, occupying the wings, have the pace and trickery to breach any defense.
Expected lineup for Barcelona:
- Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
- Defenders: Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin
- Midfielders: Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Fermin Lopez
- Attackers: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski
Key individual battles to watch include Lewandowski against Espanyol’s center-backs and Pedri’s midfield duel with Eduardo Expósito. These matchups could be crucial in determining the game’s outcome.
Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries
Barcelona will head into this match with a few key absentees due to injuries and suspensions. Inigo Martinez is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, which means his defensive capabilities will be sorely missed.
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Inigo Martinez | Yellow cards | 1 match |
Additionally, the team has several players sidelined due to injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Bernal | Cruciate ligament injury | Late July 2025 |
| Jules Kounde | Foot injury | Late May 2025 |
| Dani Rodriguez | Shoulder injury | Early August 2025 |
| Pablo Torre | Knee injury | Early June 2025 |
These absences, especially in defense, could leave Barcelona vulnerable at the back. The missing defensive stalwarts will test the depth of their squad and the tactical acumen of their coach, Hans-Dieter Flick.
Barcelona Tactics and Formation
Barcelona’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Robert Lewandowski
- Midfield Duo: Pedri, Frenkie De Jong
- Defensive Setup: Marc-André ter Stegen in goal, flanked by Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi, with Andreas Christensen stepping in for the suspended Inigo Martinez, and Gerard Martin on the left.
- Notable Strategy: High pressing with fullbacks overlapping to support the wingers.
Coach Xavi Hernández likes to build play from the back, utilizing De Jong’s ball progression and Pedri’s creativity in the midfield. With Lewandowski’s predatory instincts up front and the pace of wingers like Raphinha and young talent Lamine Yamal, Barcelona looks to break through Espanyol’s lines quickly and often.
Espanyol vs Barcelona Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Espanyol | 2024-11-03 | LaLiga | 3 – 1 (Win) |
| Espanyol | Barcelona | 2023-05-14 | LaLiga | 2 – 4 (Loss) |
| Barcelona | Espanyol | 2022-12-31 | LaLiga | 1 – 1 (Draw) |
| Espanyol | Barcelona | 2022-02-13 | LaLiga | 2 – 2 (Draw) |
| Barcelona | Espanyol | 2021-11-20 | LaLiga | 1 – 0 (Win) |
Espanyol has struggled to get the upper hand against their city rivals in recent encounters. Barcelona has the upper hand with three wins and two draws in the last five meetings. These matches have seen plenty of goals, with four of them featuring both teams finding the back of the net.
Odds accurate as of 13/05/2025 20:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
