RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, simply known as Espanyol, is a team rich in history and tradition. Founded in 1900, they have spent the majority of their existence in LaLiga, Spanish football’s highest tier. While they’ve had to grapple with relegation a few times, their comebacks have always been strong, reinforcing their status as one of the mainstays of Spanish football.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane: The Greats of Espanyol
Through the decades, many players have risen through the ranks at Espanyol and moved on to successful careers at other clubs worldwide. Here are a few who left their mark:
Dani Jarque: A talented center-back and captain of Espanyol, Jarque’s career was tragically cut short. His memory lives on in the heart of every Espanyol supporter.
Raúl Tamudo: Espanyol’s all-time top scorer, Tamudo later moved to Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano, leaving his mark in Spanish football history.
Albert Riera: This left winger made a name for himself at Espanyol before heading to the English Premier League, where he played for clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool.
Battle Lines: Espanyol’s Rivalries
When it comes to rivalries, none comes close to the intensity of Espanyol’s duels with FC Barcelona in the ‘Derby Barceloní’. The two teams share a city, but not the limelight, leading to fierce contests on and off the field.
Another rivalry is with city neighbors CE Europa, a rivalry rooted in history and competition for local pride. The clashes with Real Madrid also ignite passion and rivalry, given the Madrid-Barcelona competition that spans various spheres of Spanish life.
A Guide to the RCDE Stadium
Nestled in the city of Barcelona, the RCDE Stadium offers a fantastic experience to all spectators. With a seating capacity of 40,000, it offers a range of viewing experiences.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, the ‘Gol Cornellà’ and ‘Gol Cornellà Superior’ areas behind the goals are your best bet. Tickets here are priced around €35, and these areas host some of the most ardent fans.
For a clear, uninterrupted view of the game, consider the ‘Tribuna Presidencial’ or ‘Tribuna Lateral’. Tickets in these sections cost around €75 to €95, but the view is well worth the price.
The ‘Córner VIP’ and ‘Tribuna VIP’ areas offer the ultimate match day experience, with prices ranging from €155 to €260. In addition to a fantastic view of the game, these tickets come with exclusive access to VIP lounges, among other perks.
Experiencing a match at the RCDE Stadium is a treat, be it in the bustling Gol Cornellà or the plush Tribuna VIP. The electrifying atmosphere, the chants, the camaraderie – it’s football at its finest. The roar when Espanyol scores a goal, the collective gasp when a shot is narrowly missed, the tension, the joy – it’s all part of the match day experience at Espanyol.
Get Out to a Game
- Periquitos: The club’s fans are often referred to as ‘Periquitos’ or ‘Budgerigars.’ The nickname dates back to the early 20th century when the club’s old Sarriá Stadium was situated near a place where these birds were sold.
- Trophies: Espanyol may not have clinched the LaLiga title yet, but they have won the Copa del Rey four times, and they’ve also been two-time runners-up in the UEFA Cup (now the UEFA Europa League).
- Record Appearance: The record for most appearances for Espanyol is held by Raúl Tamudo, who played 340 games for the club in LaLiga.
- Famous Managers: Espanyol has been managed by several famous coaches, including Javier Clemente, Marcelo Bielsa, and Mauricio Pochettino. The latter, in particular, has gone on to manage in the English Premier League and Ligue 1, where he’s worked with clubs like Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Youth Academy: Espanyol’s youth academy, known as ‘Periquitos,’ is recognized as one of the best in Spain. It has produced players like Dani Jarque, Raúl Tamudo, and Kiko Casilla, who have gone on to have successful careers.
- Estadi de Sarriá: Before moving to RCDE Stadium in 2009, Espanyol played at Estadi de Sarriá, their home ground for over 70 years. The venue also hosted matches during the 1982 FIFA World Cup.
