The RFEF has responded to Espanyol’s letter and confirmed the decision upheld by the Central Controversial Court of Madrid.
FC Barcelona returns to La Liga this Saturday with the aim of preserving the top spot. They bring a capital derby to the table against Espanyol, one of the league season’s most anticipated fixtures in the First Division.
Follow all Barcelona vs live updates. First Espanyol details can be found here.
Head coach Xavi Hernandez enters the match with a late surprise: the presence of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker faced a suspension after being sent off in the previous game before the 2022 World Cup break, receiving a three-match ban. Yet the Madrid Central Court granted a precautionary stay, and the RFEF Match Committee did not overturn that decision at its emergency meeting on the morning of the match, so Lewandowski will participate in the derby. It is also anticipated that Ousmane Dembélé, Ferrán Torres, Ansu Fati, and Raphinha will compete for two wide positions.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araújo has been cleared to play despite an adductor injury that kept him out of the World Cup after a medical clearance this Friday. His recovery appears to be progressing more smoothly than expected. Jules Koundé remains a doubt after returning from World Cup duty for France, but he is available for the derby. In defense, Araújo is joined by Álex Balde at left back and by Andreas Christensen and Eric García in the central axis, with Marcos Alonso also in contention. A key media question is whether Xavi will entrust Pablo Gavi to a wider role or prefer Frenkie de Jong.
On the Espanyol side, Diego Martínez brings his team to Spotify Camp Nou with energy, though facing an injury setback. Keidi Bare is out with torn ankle ligaments just before the World Cup, and Dani Gómez remains suspended, with César Montes, a recent addition, not yet eligible for registration until January 1st. The blue and whites will lean on Barça alumni Martin Braithwaite, the talents of Javi Puado and Sergi Darder, and the goal threat of Joselu Mato to challenge their great rival.
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LINEUPS OF BARCELONA VS. ESPANYOL
FC Barcelona (1-4-3-3):
Espanyol (1-5-2-1-2):
WHEN AND WHERE IS BARCELONA VS. ESPANYOL
Location and kickoff details follow standard La Liga scheduling, with the stadium atmosphere expected to be electric as fans anticipate a decisive clash for the top of the table.
THE CALL FOR BARCELONA VS. ESPANYOL
Barcelona:
Espanyol:
INJURIES AND RETURNS FOR BARCELONA VS. ESPANYOL
FC BARCELONA
ESPANYOL
SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO SEE BARCELONA VS. ESPANYOL
Details about broadcast, streaming options, and local viewing guides are aligned with league norms and network coverage for North American audiences.
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