Espanyol: About
"Espanyol": what is known about the club
"Real Club Deportivo Espanyol" is a professional football club from Barcelona, founded in 1900. This is one of the oldest teams in Spain, which always remained in the shadow of "Barcelona", but had its own special identity.
"Espanyol" is known for its loyal fan base, the struggle for every season in the Primera and the fact that it has repeatedly knocked the giants out of the Copa del Rey. He has no championships, but he has character - and that is what made him an important part of Spanish football.
"Espanyol is proof that even in the shadow of giants you can preserve your own dignity and identity."
History of "Espanyol"
The club was founded in 1900 by a group of students who wanted to create the first Spanish team that did not involve foreigners (at that time most clubs in the country had British roots). That is why it received the name "Espanyol" — as a symbol of the national spirit.
In 1929, the team became one of the founders of La Liga, but unlike Barcelona, it never fought for the championship. The main focus was on the Spanish Cup, where Espanyol became the winner four times (1929, 1940, 2000, 2006).
The golden period of the club is the end of the 1990s and 2000s. In 2000 he won the Cup of Spain, in 2007 he reached the UEFA Cup final, where he lost to Seville only in a penalty shootout.
"However, the club has always balanced between the elite and the middle level. Espanyol are going through difficult times in the 2020s, getting relegated to the Segunda but coming back each time."
Espanyol Stadium
The club's home arena is "Cornelia-El Prat", opened in 2009. It is located in the suburbs of Barcelona, holds more than 40 thousand spectators and is one of the most modern in the country.
Previously, the team played at the legendary "Sarria", which was the heart of the club, but due to financial problems the stadium had to be sold. The new stadium became the modern home of Espanyol and preserved the atmosphere of the old stands.
"The main feature of Cornella-El Prat is its dedicated fan base. There is always a fighting spirit here, especially in matches against Barcelona."
Espanyol achievements
The club has not won La Liga but has a solid track record:
- Spanish Cup (4 times) — 1929, 1940, 2000, 2006.
- UEFA Cup Final (2 times) — 1988, 2007.
- Continuous appearances in La Liga - over 85 seasons in the top division.
Famous Espanyol players
Many famous football players passed through the club:
Raul Tamudo is the best scorer in the history of the club.
Dani Harke is a captain whose memory lives on in the hearts of fans.
Ivan De la Peña is a midfielder with fantastic field vision.
Filip Kokou is one of the best Dutch players who played for the team.
Mauricio Pochettino is not only a player, but also a coach, who later became a star in Europe.
Interesting facts about "Espanyol"
Barcelona's biggest rival — the Catalan derby always takes place with special tension.
"Survival Club" is one of the teams that saved most times** from relegation at the last moment.
The only Spanish club that played twice in the final of the UEFA Cup and did not lose in regular time.
Espanyol fans are the most anti-Barcelona in Catalonia — for them, it is a matter of principle not to support the blue-garnet.
"Sarria" and "Cornelia-El Prat" are two stadiums where the history of the club was made.
"Espanyol reminds us that true greatness is not in the number of titles, but in the ability to maintain character and fight to the end."
It is worth noting that Espanyol remains a unique phenomenon in Spanish football, proving that you can maintain your identity even next to one of the greatest clubs in the world. Can the team return to consistent performances in the Primera and consolidate their position? One thing can be said for sure — the spirit of "Cornelia-El Prat" and the traditions of the Catalan derby make "Espanyol" a special place where pride and principle are valued higher than commercial success, and every victory over "Barcelona" becomes a holiday for the whole area. This is a club that proves that the most important thing in football is staying true to yourself, regardless of the circumstances.
