Can Espanyol Break Barcelona's 10-Year Unbeaten Streak in the Catalan Derby?
1 January 2026
Preview
Barca's long unbeaten run comes under pressure as city rival Espanyol visit in the Catalan derby on Saturday, matchweek 19 of La Liga.
Year opener
This will be Barca's first game of the year, backed by a historic streak.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have not lost an opening game of the year for ten years, specifically since 2016.
The Blaugrana have eight wins and two draws so far.
The two draws came in a Copa del Rey clash with Celta Vigo in 2018 and a league meeting with Espanyol in 2020.
Espanyol are enjoying an exceptional season, sitting fifth with 33 points after 17 games: 10 wins, 3 draws and 4 losses.
Punchline 1: If this derby had a soundtrack it would be nonstop drama.
Punchline 2: If Espanyol pull off the upset Barca fans will swear the referee wore blue and white again.
