"Flick really wants to lose huh?", "Going to be a long night" - Barcelona fans question XI for derby clash against Espanyol

Barcelona fans online were not impressed with their starting XI to face Espanyol in LaLiga on January 3. The heated clash marks the Catalans' return to La Liga after the holidays and their first game of 2026.

Hansi Flick chose an interesting combination for the starting XI with some regulars and other surprises. Former Espanyol goalkeeper leads the goal. Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Kounde form the backline. Martin's inclusion as a centre-back is not a usual choice.

The midfield includes Frenkie de Jong, Eric Garcia, and Raphinha, who is usually employed on the left wing. Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Dani Olmo all remain on the bench. The attack features Marcus Rashford on the left instead, with Lamine Yamal on the right, and Ferran Torres leading as the striker. Robert Lewandowski remains on the bench.

Fans took to X to react to the lineup, with many complaining about the unusual midfield combination. One X user wrote:

"Wtf?? Raphinha, De Jong and Eric Garcia Midfield trio again? 😂😂 Flick really wants to lose huh? It's gonna make Frenkie look bad."

Dante

@Dantes__Infern0

@ReshadFCB Wtf?? Raphinha, De Jong and Eric Garcia Midfield trio again? 😂😂 Flick really wants to lose huh? It's gonna make Frenkie look bad

Culers further shared their thoughts on the starting XI vs Espanyol:

FCB_Adi

@Adityapatel1705

First game of the year : Raphina 10 shifts Eric-Frenkie pivot It's going to be long night 🕊️🕊️

Hansi flick(FAN)🤍🇳🇬

@CoolestsportIQ

Now that's pedri is not available in the match I don't really like the duo of Frenkie - Eric , they both rarely make Progressive passes to the front just keep spinning the pitch , controlling the tempo and passing to the just keep passing to the fullback and so on. it's gonna be

MadeBy20

@By20Made

@BouafifNour Frenkie x Eric needs to work. It has worked against Bilbao but was destroyed against Chelsea. Was shaky at the La Ceramica. We need that combo to work.

Some other reactions were as follows:

Wale Gold

@imwalegold

@FCBarcelona The midfield is not looking good oo, this is a new year Hansi flick

Extreme ball knowledge

@staywavy8

@FCBarcelona What a weird a*s midfield

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Espanyol star Edu Exposito makes feelings clear ahead of Barcelona clash

Edu Exposito - Source: Getty

In an interview with Erem News (via AS), Espanyol star Edu Exposito shared his thoughts ahead of facing Barcelona in LaLiga. He said:

"Espanyol deserves to be where it belongs, and we will fight for it until the end. I think the team’s rhythm is excellent. We’re competing well, playing with solidity and confidence, and this is reflected in our daily work."

Barcelona have not lost to Espanyol in the last 17 years, and not lost to them at home in 19 years. Tonight's clash is set to take place at the RCDE Stadium, which could add to Espanyol's confidence. Exposito weighed in on the historical numbers and added:

"Chains are made to be broken. It’s a negative statistic, but this team has a strong character, and we’ll be playing at home in front of our fans. In derbies, the odds are even, and if we’re fully focused and play with courage, we can change history."

The Espanyol clash also marks the first time former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be facing the team in Barcelona colors. He will play a key role in the clash, having been in exceptional form for La Blaugrana since signing for them in the summer of 2025.