Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona, commonly known as Espanyol, is one of Spain’s oldest and most established football clubs. Founded in 1900, the club represents a proud identity rooted in Catalonia and has played a key role in the development of Spanish football. Often viewed as the ‘other’ team in Barcelona, Espanyol has cultivated a loyal and passionate fanbase that thrives on tradition, resilience, and community spirit. The club plays its home matches at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat, a modern arena with a vibrant matchday atmosphere.
Espanyol tickets are in consistent demand throughout the season, particularly for matches against La Liga giants, Catalan rivals, and key domestic clashes.
Historic Espanyol Moments
Espanyol has a rich history of domestic and European competition. The club has won the Copa del Rey on four occasions, with victories in 1929, 1940, 2000, and 2006. These triumphs reflect Espanyol’s status as a club with a strong cup pedigree and a reputation for rising to the occasion in knockout competitions.
In European football, Espanyol has twice reached the UEFA Cup final, in 1988 and 2007. Although they narrowly lost both finals on penalties, these runs to the final earned widespread admiration and showcased the club’s ability to challenge on the continental stage.
| Trophy |
Year(s) |
| Copa del Rey |
1929, 1940, 2000, 2006 |
Memorable Moments
The 2006 Copa del Rey Final saw Espanyol deliver a masterclass in counter-attacking football, defeating Real Zaragoza 4–1. Led by an inspired performance, the team secured their fourth domestic cup and gave fans a night to remember at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Another iconic moment came in the 2006–07 UEFA Cup campaign. Espanyol stormed to the final in Glasgow, defeating the likes of Benfica and Werder Bremen along the way. The final against Sevilla ended in heartbreak on penalties, but the journey confirmed Espanyol’s reputation as a formidable European competitor.
Biggest Rivalries
Espanyol’s biggest and most historic rivalry is with FC Barcelona. Known as the Derbi Barceloní, this clash represents more than just a city derby—it reflects contrasting identities within Barcelona. While FC Barcelona is seen as the global symbol of Catalonia, Espanyol has traditionally maintained a more national identity. Matches between the two are intense and emotionally charged, especially at the RCDE Stadium, where Espanyol supporters passionately defend their colours.
Espanyol also has a developing rivalry with Girona FC. As both clubs represent Catalonia, their fixtures have taken on added intensity in recent years, particularly as Girona has become a more consistent presence in the top flight. These regional encounters are marked by competitiveness and regional pride.
Stadium Atmosphere
The RCDE Stadium, opened in 2009, is one of the most modern football grounds in Spain. With a capacity of just over 40,000, it offers excellent sightlines, acoustics, and facilities. The atmosphere during home games is electric, especially for derbies and evening fixtures, with fans singing, waving flags, and creating an intimidating backdrop for visiting teams.
Espanyol fans are known for their dedication and loyalty, with the singing section behind the goal providing non-stop vocal support throughout the match. The stadium's location in Cornellà-El Prat means that it draws from a broad supporter base across Barcelona and beyond.
Ticket Information
Espanyol tickets are available for all home fixtures, though high-profile matches such as the Barcelona derby or key relegation/promotion battles tend to sell out quickly. European ties and late-season fixtures also see a surge in demand.
SafeTicketCompare lists Espanyol tickets from trusted providers, giving supporters a secure and reliable way to attend matches. With a passionate fanbase and one of Spain’s best matchday experiences, attending an Espanyol game is always a worthwhile occasion for football fans visiting Barcelona.
