Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview, Odds, & Predictions – 15/5/2025

RCD Espanyol is set to host Barcelona, who would be hoping to be crowned as the champions of the 2024-25 La Liga season in the last ‘Derbi Barceloni’ of the season, scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at the RCDE Arena in Barcelona.

While Barcelona will give the regional derby a lot of respect as the La Liga title is on the line on Thursday evening, the Blaugrana could become the Spanish champions if they overcome the Espanyol challenge at the RCDE Arena. On the other hand, Espanyol would be fighting for bragging rights along with their aim of staying clear of the relegation zone in the last few matchdays.

Learn more about the odds, team news, picks, and predictions for the thrilling La Liga Matchday 36 clash between Espanyol and Barcelona:

Where to watch Espanyol vs Barcelona

Here is when and where to watch the clash between Espanyol and Barcelona:

Date: 15/05

Time: 9:30 pm CET

Location: RCDE Arena, Barcelona

Referee: Cesar Soto Grado

Where to watch: The match can be watched on DAZN in Spain and on La Liga TV in the UK

Espanyol vs Barcelona Preview

In the reverse fixture at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, Dani Olmo scored a brace and Raphinha added another goal to the scoreline as Barcelona ran out 3-1 winners in the Catalan Derby back in November 2024.

Espanyol

After playing in the Segunda division last season, Espanyol has had a decent first season back in the La Liga as the Parakeets are five points clear of the relegation zone with three matches left in the league season. In the Copa del Rey, Espanyol was knocked out by Barbastro, of the fourth tier, who were eliminated by eventual winners Barcelona in the Round of 32.

Barcelona

On the other hand, Barcelona was inches away from competing in the UEFA Champions League, but Hansi Flick’s men conceded a late goal to Inter, and the Serie A side then punished Barcelona in extra time, eliminating the 2024-25 Copa del Rey winners from the UCL semi-finals. Flick’s side is now three points away from winning the 2024-25 La Liga title, and the Blaugrana has the chance to do a domestic double as they already won the Copa del Rey by defeating arch-rivals Real Madrid in the final of the cup competition.

Espanyol vs Barcelona Under/Over Predictions

The Playoffs aim to facilitate the safest bets for the game. Have a look at the predictions for the game below.

Total goals Over 3.5 @ +106 (Fan Duel): Barcelona have been firing in goals with so many goalscoring outlets in midfield and attack, making the Blaugrana very potent in front of the goal. With Inigo Martinez set to miss the crucial match, Barcelona’s defense would be further weakened against Espanyol and goals are expected to rain in at the RCDE Arena on Thursday evening.

Espanyol vs Barcelona Player Picks

Raphinha (To Score a Goal @ +120 as per Fan Duel): The leading goalscorer in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, Raphinha scored a brace in Barcelona’s most crucial La Liga match of the season as the Brazilian forward netted twice against Real Madrid on the weekend to complete the perfect comeback for Flick’s side and put the match beyond their arch-rivals despite Kylian Mbappe completing his hat-trick later in the game.

Robert Lewandowski (To Score a Goal @-145 as per Bet MGM): Robert Lewandowski has scored 25 goals in 31 league matches, apart from contributing 2 assists, and the Polish striker would be eager to add to those numbers with Kylian Mbappe overtaking the former Bayern Munich striker in the La Liga Golden Boot race courtesy of his hat-trick against Barcelona last weekend.

Espanyol vs Barcelona Prediction

The hosts for Thursday evening’s fixture are on a winless run of 27 matches against their local rivals in the league, an ongoing record for the longest winless streak in a regional derby in La Liga. Flick’s men have the golden chance of extending that run to 28 matches and take home the coveted trophy so that they can keep their feet up after sealing the domestic double for the season.

Our Final Prediction: A 4-2 win for Barcelona should be good enough for the Catalan club to win the trophy, and it would be typical of the way the league leaders have been playing in the last few weeks.

ALSO READ: Paris St. Germain favorites to win the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League: Full list of odds for all teams to lift the trophy

Mohak Arora

A stand-up comedian and a sports journalist with speciality in writing prediction pieces and features on football, cricket, and badminton. Over the last few years, I have contributed pieces to iGaming giants like Parimatch, 1X News, and Melbet.