Stat of the Day: Espanyol is no pushover!
Espanyol’s up and down season so far shouldn’t be grounds for undue optimism; if recent history is any indication, Sunday’s match will be a tough one. Over the last five seasons, Espanyol has taken more points from Barcelona than any other Liga team [15]. This record is even better than Real Madrid’s: the team from the capitol has taken only 14 points during the same period.
For his part, Lionel Messi, who will surely play tonight despite recent health issues, will be looking for his first goal in Espanyol’s Cornellà-El Prat stadium. This ground is one of only two in la Liga in which the Argentine has played more than once and failed to score. That said, Messi’s goal tally for the current season matches the output from Espanyol’s entire squad so far.
Stats: @pedritonumeros & misc twitter • Image: Jasper Juinen [Getty]
yes they are definitely no pushover! I remember in February 2010 they managed to beat Barca 2-1 at Camp Nou, that was a shock result.
Barca lost only one game in 09/10 season and that was against Atletico Madrid …
My apology it was February 2009… I still remember that game very well but i just got confused in years.
[youtube aUWtUtUeBVY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUWtUtUeBVY youtube]
wonder why atletico never beat rm? cause they want the cup to be in madrid. not like this our 'neighbour' team
They always try, more or less, but are just too stupid or incapable. I remember when Atletico drew 1-1 in the Bernabeu in 2009, they had huge chances to win the game, but Aguero wanted to get famous himself and refused to pass to Forlan, unmarked and alone infront of goal, several times.
The reason why Espanyol made it tough for us in the last years is their physical approach to the game. They kick everything that moves. And provocate constantly. Our players usually fell for it and lost their nerves and game plan. But not so last season. 5-1 away and an easy 2-0 at home. I see tonights game similar. I think we'll win it 4-1. The first 20 minutes will be tough but once we get going Espanyol will have no chance.
Do you want to enjoy a good opposition and a good match or want them to cave in just so they can keep the trophy in town?
just wins and trophies…..nothing else
espanyol shall surely fall today
My Messi will break the duck in this stadium tonight, and at least two :*
Hattrick please
Why cant we be optimistic?? We are fans of FC BARCELONA!!!
Teams that always give Madrid free points must be taught some hard lessons, and a MANITA will do just that!
we defeat them,3-0 tonight and goals from messi,cesc,alexis.
Pep should play strongest line up.this isnt time for giving chance to pedro unform or young cuenca in line up! They can play as subs.
Barcelona 5 Espagnol 0
We always make thre best of any situation.I believ our boys wil go out there and do wat they do best.
OT- great news guys, Abidal is set to finally renew his contract. http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2012/01/08/2…
Also Paul Scholes will be amongst the subs for United in the FA Cup match vs Man City today. Always admired him coz, frankly speaking, he's the only english player who is under-rated and he praises barca the most.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Messi score a goal ( a penalty, true) in Espanyol's stadium during the 08/09 season? It was the game winner!
That was at the old Monjuic stadium.
Ah, thanks for the clarification!
Right on the money!