Why Is Fermín López Missing the Espanyol Derby Match?

In the highly anticipated Catalan derby, FC Barcelona has confirmed its starting lineup for the match against RCD Espanyol. The atmosphere is expected to be charged at the RCDE Stadium, known for its intense rivalries. One significant name absent from the starting eleven is Fermín López, creating buzz among fans.

Why Is Fermín López Missing the Espanyol Derby Match?

Initially viewed as a real option for the starting midfield, Fermín López was ultimately left out by coach Hansi Flick. The German manager opted for a more offensive setup, which features only two natural midfielders: Frenkie de Jong and Eric García. This decision emphasizes attacking presence and enhances mobility in the final third.

Reason for López’s Absence

• The decision to exclude López is not due to physical or disciplinary issues.
• His absence indicates a strategic choice by the coach to push for more offense.
• López remains a vital part of the squad and may play in the second half if needed.

Barcelona’s Starting Lineup

For the match, the complete starting eleven for FC Barcelona includes:

• Goalkeeper: García
• Defenders: Balde, Cubarsi, Martín, Koundé
• Midfielders: De Jong, Eric
• Forwards: Raphinha, Rashford, Ferrán, Yamal

Match Details

Here are the details for the Barcelona vs. Espanyol match:

• Match: RCD Espanyol vs. FC Barcelona
• Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
• Location: RCDE Stadium
• Stadium Capacity: 40,500 spectators

Match Timings Around the World

Fans can look forward to an exciting match as Barcelona aims to capitalize on its offensive strategy, even without Fermín López in the starting lineup.