Espanyol increases security amidst high possible risk in the derby clash against Barcelona
The authorities have declared next Sunday's Catalan derby as a "high-risk match" and Barcelona will be crowned champions if they take all three points.
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RCD Espanyol vs Barcelona
The Anti-Violence Commission has declared next weekend’s Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona a “high-risk match”. The match will be played on Sunday, May 14 at the RCD Stadium at 21:00 CEST and it will host approximately 40,000 fans.
It will be a decisive match as Xavi Hernandez’s side will be crowned La Liga Santander champions if they can beat Espanyol. Barca could even go into the game with the title in their hands if Real Madrid and Atletico lose their games against Getafe and Elche respectively.
According to reports the derby match between FC Barcelona and Espanyol will have the return of Sergio Roberto. The players who will be available at the starting XI for Barcelona are as follows:
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Jules Koundé
- Ronald Araújo
- Andreas Christensen
- Alejandro Balde
- Sergio Busquets
- Frenkie of Jong
- Pedri
- Gavi
- Robert Lewandowski
- Ousmane Dembélé
Who is the greatest ever Mid Fielder according to Barcelona head coach Xavi
FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has chosen which player is the greatest midfielder he’s ever seen. Xavi was speaking ahead of his team’s Sunday meeting with Espanyol at a pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon.
With his side capable of sealing the La Liga trophy through a win, Xavi was asked who will replace captain Sergio Busquets who has already announced that he will leave at the end of the season. Xavi said, “This title is important for him, he has made a good decision, although it harms us. He leaves valued, at a very good time, being a starter, with the Super Cup and about to win La Liga. I wish him well. He’s perhaps the smartest player I’ve ever played with. It’s been a blast to have him as captain. He has been a 10 in everything: conduct, respect, dedication, solidarity and at a footballing level he has been spectacular. He is a role model, the best midfielder in the history of Barca. Definitely,”
When asked if this was “the end of an era”, Xavi instead said it is the beginning of a new one with young stars such as Pedri and Gavi ready to carry the torch. Xavi noted that the legendary trio he formed with Busquets and Andreas Iniesta was “wonderful” but pointed out that he and his staff now “work to start another one”.
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Arpan Ghosh
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