Barcelona is on the verge of reclaiming the La Liga championship. A draw or win away at local rivals Espanyol would be enough for Hansi Flick`s team to clinch the title, adding it to their Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey trophies already won this season. While Espanyol has successfully avoided relegation since returning to La Liga, they face a significant challenge against Barcelona`s potent attack, which has troubled opponents throughout the league campaign.
Forward Robert Lewandowski is also competing for the La Liga Golden Boot award, vying with Kylian Mbappe. This adds another incentive for Barcelona to score multiple goals in the upcoming match. Having narrowly missed securing the title earlier due to a late Real Madrid winner, Barcelona will be determined to seal their victory now that their destiny is in their own hands.
Match Information
- Date: Thursday, May 15
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: RCDE Stadium — Cornella de Llobregat, Spain
- Live stream: Available on ESPN+
- Match Odds: Espanyol win odds at +700, a draw at +425, and Barcelona win odds at -280.
Barcelona Title Scenario
To secure the La Liga title on Thursday, Barcelona must avoid defeat against Espanyol, meaning a win or a draw is sufficient.
Last Meeting Summary
In their most recent encounter in Barcelona, Dani Olmo was the standout player, scoring two goals in the first half. Barcelona established an early lead after just 12 minutes and built a 3-1 advantage by halftime. Espanyol managed to pull a goal back, but it wasn`t enough, and they ultimately lost 3-1. Losing 3-1 against Barcelona is considered a relatively respectable scoreline.
Betting Tip
Betting Tip: Barcelona to Lead at Halftime. Given the significance of securing the title, Barcelona has strong motivation to start the match with intensity – a characteristic approach for the team. It`s expected that Barcelona will begin strongly, aiming to be in a winning position by halftime before ultimately confirming their La Liga championship.
Predicted Lineups
Below are the predicted starting lineups for both teams:
- Espanyol: Joan Garcia, Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Edu Exposito, Urko Gonzalez, Jofre Carreras, Alex Kral, Javier Puado, Roberto Fernandez,
- Barcelona: Wokciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres
Player to Watch
Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona. While Barcelona`s attack is full of compelling players, Lamine Yamal stands out due to his exceptional talent and youth. At just 17, he has already played over 100 matches for Barcelona and is a key winger for both his club and the Spanish national team. Comparisons to legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi arise when observing his progress at this age. Yamal`s play is captivating; his remarkable vision allows him to create opportunities from anywhere on the field.
Match Prediction
Prediction: Expect Barcelona to score early and frequently in this match, putting up a high number of goals. With players like Raphinha potentially aiming for personal accolades and Lewandowski chasing the Golden Boot, Barcelona will likely maintain their attacking intensity even after securing the result, driven by the pursuit of individual honors. Predicted Score: Espanyol 1, Barcelona 5.
