FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.12.2009 10:12

Espanyol, uncomfortable opposition at the Camp Nou

Edgar Fornós

Espanyol, who FC Barcelona face next in the League, have picked up points on their last three visits to the Camp Nou, thanks to two draws (2-2) and (0-0) and one win (1- 2).

Before flying to Abu Dhabi to play in the Clubs World Cup, Guardiola and his men have a tricky derby at the Camp Nou. Recent results show that whatever their form, Espanyol have a habit of doing well in Barça’s stadium.

The toughest memory

Two days before the end of the 2006/07 season, FC Barcelona were at home to Espanyol, then coached by Ernesto Valverde, and the visitors went ahead through Tamudo. Messi scored twice to turn things around, but Tamudo then responded with a late goal to silence the Camp Nou, and the two points Barça dropped proved decisive in the league title race, which was narrowly won by Real Madrid.

Bad result for both

The 0-0 draw that the Camp Nou in the 2007/08 season was no good to either team. Barça needed three points to catch up with Madrid, who were nine ahead, while Espanyol needed to win to stay in touch with the European places. Both teams went out in search of the win, but cancelled each other out, and the draw meant Barça slipped to third behind Vila-real and Valverde’s side fell to tenth.

Bad day at the stadium

An injury, a sending off and a defeat. A day Barça wished they hadn’t got out of bed. Espanyol were bottom of the league and Barça were top, and were unbeaten at home. It looked like Guardiola’s side was in for an easy ride, but it turned into a nightmare. An unexpected injury to Abidal, an early red card for Keita and two goals from Ivan de la Peña in nine minutes meant FC Barcelona were in big trouble. Touré’s goal raised hope of a comeback that never happened.