A most inopportune derby, or not

Three games and a five-point margin over relegation was, at the start of the season, a dream scenario for Espanyol . But the ill-timed derby against a resolute Barça side that can and wants to win the championship again in Cornellà has heightened the tension among the Blue and Whites' fans. Long-time Espanyol players analyze the situation the team faces in this final stretch of the league season for La Vanguardia .

"It's normal to have doubts," said Moisés Hurtado, a former Espanyol player, who says he's not "worried" because "the team has given a good feeling, has been competitive, and Manolo is a good motivator. We can close the season with a flourish this Thursday," the former captain hopes.

I have complete confidence in salvation, but a little anxiety is normal.”

The former Espanyol youth player and coach is concerned about "everything" about this Barça team. "They're a team that doesn't speculate, they go for it, and you have to hit them back," he points out. And he believes it will be key for Espanyol to force Barcelona to run backwards. "Barça has a good pressing after losing possession, but their defensive phase is nonexistent, and you have to take advantage of that to hurt them. If you don't get them to run backwards, you won't succeed, because they accumulate a lot of people, they sink you, and they have many chances to score," he summarizes.

Regarding the possibility of a repeat pitch invasion in the event of the league title and Barça celebrations, Hurtado rules it out. "The lesson has been learned; there's a lot at stake, and if something like that happens, they could close the pitch. Thinking about the last matchday... people aren't stupid."

"The lesson has been learned. If something happens, they can close the field, and people aren't stupid."

Raúl Longhi, former player and current club ambassador, believes that "with what Espanyol is playing for, we have to behave well. I think the fans will respond. And that decisions during the match will be consistent so they can't harm us in the future," he hopes.

Longhi says he has "full confidence" in the team's survival, and while he believes it's "normal" that there's "a bit of anxiety about achieving it as soon as possible," he's optimistic about the derby: "In football, you never know; every game is a different story, but the team can beat Barcelona and that would be wonderful." The historic Real Madrid player highlights the motivating role of Manolo González, who "has gotten great performances from the team, has had difficult moments and has overcome them." He adds that he has earned his continued presence "for everything: for his work, for his personality, for his dedication and commitment," he concludes.

"The key is to prevent Barça from having a bad day and to know what to do when we have the ball."

For Moisés Arteaga, the team's captain at the turn of the century, Espanyol's situation "is very difficult," due to the fact they're facing a team, Barça, "that's on a roll, with the morale they have, and the players are in a good moment. It's very difficult to fight against that." And he has no doubts: "Of course I'd sign for a draw, it would be wonderful." The former Espanyol midfielder believes it's key "for (Barça) to have a bad day, for Espanyol to be very closed without giving us any chances, and to know what to do when we have the ball and how to get to the opponent's goal." Because he's clear that this Barça "will want to punish Espanyol" in this most inopportune derby. Or not.