RCD Espanyol, founded in 1900 as one of Spain’s oldest football clubs, has carved out a significant place in Catalan and Spanish football history, maintaining a fierce rivalry with FC Barcelona in the storied “Derbi Barceloní,” a clash that ignites passion across the region. Based at the modern RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat, with a capacity of 40,000, the club is renowned for its iconic blue and white striped home kit, symbolizing its identity as a proud alternative to Barcelona’s blaugrana. While often overshadowed by its illustrious neighbors, Espanyol has enjoyed notable successes, including multiple Copa del Rey triumphs and a memorable run to the 2006 UEFA Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Sevilla in a heartbreaking penalty shootout. Throughout its history, Espanyol has been home to legendary players such as Raúl Tamudo, the club’s iconic captain and second-highest scorer; Mauricio Pochettino, who later became a renowned manager after a distinguished defensive career with the club; Daniel Jarque, the beloved captain whose tragic passing deeply affected the club; José María García, one of the greatest goalkeepers in Espanyol’s history; and modern stars like Diego López and Sergi Darder. These players, along with cult heroes like Walter Pandiani and Iván de la Peña, have cemented Espanyol’s legacy as a club of resilience, passion, and unwavering identity in the heart of Catalonia.