RCD Espanyol

Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona, commonly known as RCD Espanyol, is a Spanish professional football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia. Founded on October 28, 1900, Espanyol is one of Spain’s oldest and most historic clubs, with a rich tradition of competing in La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football.

Major Achievements

• Copa del Rey Winners (4): 1928-29, 1939-40, 1999-2000, 2005-06
• UEFA Cup Runners-up: 1987-88, 2006-07
• Segunda División Champions: Multiple promotions, most recently in 2020-21

Espanyol has a proud history in Spanish football, with four Copa del Rey titles and two UEFA Cup final appearances, including a dramatic run in the 2006-07 UEFA Cup, where they were narrowly defeated by Sevilla on penalties.

Home Stadium: Stage Front Stadium

Espanyol plays its home matches at the Stage Front Stadium (formerly RCDE Stadium), located in Cornellà-El Prat. Opened in 2009, it has a capacity of 40,000 and is known for its modern facilities and passionate atmosphere, making it one of Spain’s top football venues.

Club Identity & Playing Style

Espanyol is recognized for:

• Strong defensive organization and tactical discipline
• A commitment to developing young talent
• A fierce and passionate fanbase

Nicknamed “Los Pericos” (The Parakeets), Espanyol has a strong identity and remains a symbol of resilience in Catalan football.

Iconic Eras

• Copa del Rey Triumphs (1999-2000, 2005-06): Two domestic cup victories in the modern era.
• European Success (2006-07): Reaching the UEFA Cup final, going unbeaten throughout the tournament.
• Recent La Liga Stability: Espanyol has bounced back from relegation, securing promotions and competing strongly in La Liga.

Rivalries

• Derbi Barceloní: A fierce rivalry with FC Barcelona, symbolizing the competitive divide between the two major clubs in Catalonia.
• Other Spanish Rivals: Frequent battles with clubs like Real Betis and Valencia for mid-table dominance.

Legendary Players

• Raúl Tamudo: Espanyol’s all-time top scorer and a club legend.
• Dani Jarque: A beloved captain whose legacy is honored by the club.
• Iván de la Peña: A midfield genius who played a crucial role in Espanyol’s success.
• Pau López: A top goalkeeper developed in the club’s youth academy.

The Future of Espanyol

RCD Espanyol continues to build for the future with a strong academy, passionate supporters, and a competitive squad. The club aims to solidify its place in La Liga and push for European football, keeping its identity as Catalonia’s historic alternative to Barcelona.