Espanyol star ready for ‘special match’ against Barcelona: “More than just three points” | OneFootball

Barcelona will kickstart their 2026 with the big one as they take on Espanyol in a highly anticipated Catalan derby.

The tension and the emotion will be up a notch, especially after Barcelona poached Espanyol’s star player Joan Garcia last summer.

Heading into this crucial match-up, Espanyol forward Roberto Fernandez talked about the significance of the Catalan derby and how his team is preparing for this game.

Roberto Fernandez on facing Barcelona

Fernandez, who is Espanyol’s second-highest scorer with four goals this season, said they are ready for this big outing.

“We are preparing for the derby with enthusiasm and confidence,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo) before highlighting how the Catalans derby is different from any other game.

“We know that it is a special match, different from all the matches, the derby is more than just three points, the people live it a lot, and we want to give them that joy,” he added.

Fernandez will have to get past Joan Garcia. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Formerly of Braga, Fernandez will play a key role for Espanyol, as he will be tasked with the responsibility of breaking apart a Barcelona defence that has looked susceptible to good counters.

His partnership with Pere Milla will be in focus, with the duo scoring a combined total of ten goals this season.

Of course, they will have to get past former Espanyol star Garcia, in the Barcelona goal, who has mesmerised everyone with his performances this season.

Still, Fernandez is confident, especially after Espanyol’s recent 2-1 win over Athletic Club to close out 2025. “We are coming from a good win, and this always helps,” he concluded.

Thanks to the win over Athletic Club, Espanyol are currently fifth in the league table, competing against a Barcelona side that has a comfortable five-point lead at the top.