Three famous names who played for both Barcelona and Espanyol

With the Catalan derby set to mild up the weekend on the RCDE Stadium, the rivalry between Barcelona and Espanyol as soon as once more takes centre stage.

Whereas feelings often run excessive when these two sides meet, historical past exhibits {that a} handful of gamers have worn each shirts, whereas going by the stress, delight and expectations that include crossing the town divide.

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That being mentioned, the highlight this weekend will firmly fall on a sure Joan Garcia, who dared to swap Espanyol’s shirt for Barcelona’s final summer season, a transfer that might have repercussions this weekend.

On that be aware, let’s check out three well-known gamers who’ve represented each groups.

Philippe Coutinho – A short cease earlier than the most important stage

Coutinho spent one season with Espanyol. (Picture by Alex Caparros/Getty Photos)

Earlier than changing into certainly one of Barcelona’s most costly signings, Philippe Coutinho first skilled top-level Spanish soccer at Espanyol.

The Brazilian joined Espanyol on mortgage in the course of the 2011–12 season from Inter, utilizing the transfer to adapt to La Liga and rediscover his confidence.

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He performed 16 league matches for Espanyol, exhibiting flashes of the creativity and fast toes that may later outline his peak years.

That brief spell proved essential. Coutinho’s performances caught the attention throughout Europe and ultimately earned him a blockbuster transfer to Barcelona in January 2018.

At Barça, he featured in over 100 matches throughout all competitions, profitable league titles and cups, even when his time at Camp Nou by no means absolutely lived as much as expectations.

Nonetheless, his journey stays a uncommon fashionable instance of a participant representing each side of the Catalan derby.

Jordi Cruyff – Carrying a well-known identify throughout the town

Jordi Cruyff was at Espanyol in the course of the latter stage of his profession. (Image credit score: Shaun Botterill/Allsport)

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Jordi Cruyff’s transfer between Barcelona and Espanyol got here with a singular weight.

Because the son of Johan Cruyff, his years at Barcelona had been at all times beneath the highlight.

Jordi performed round 54 official matches for Barcelona between 1994 and 1996, working primarily as an attacking midfielder or ahead.

After a number of years at Manchester United after which Celta Vigo, he joined Espanyol in 2003.

There, Jordi discovered stability and continuity, changing into a key determine in the one season he was there.

He went on to make 30 appearances for Espanyol, scoring three objectives.

His change confirmed that, even with deep household ties to Barcelona, skilled paths can take sudden turns.

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Ivan de la Pena – From promise to icon

Ivan de la Pena began at La Masia. (Image credit score: Firo Picture/ALLSPORT)

Ivan de la Pena’s story is maybe essentially the most symbolic.

A product of La Masia, he was as soon as seen as Barcelona’s subsequent nice midfield expertise.

Between 1995 and 1998, he performed round 100 matches for Barcelona, however consistency and alternatives had been onerous to return by throughout a turbulent period on the membership.

His legacy was actually constructed at Espanyol. Becoming a member of them within the early 2000s, De la Pena grew to become the heartbeat of the staff.

Throughout his tenure that lasted for 9 seasons, he remodeled 200 appearances, incomes captaincy and cult-hero standing.

For a lot of Espanyol followers, he stays one of many most interesting gamers ever to put on their shirt, a uncommon case the place a former Barcelona man grew to become a derby icon on the opposite facet.