Espanyol were only founded one year after their great Catalan rivals FC Barcelona way back in 1900, but the two clubs couldn’t have more different stories of success and history.
Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol de Barcelona, to give them their full name, play their home matches at the 45,000 seater Stage Front Stadium, just a few miles from Barcelona’s Camp Nou (now with a capacity of 105,000) – to say that Espanyol live in the shadows of their illustrious neighbours would be both a metaphorical and literal understatement.
But as we all know – every club, no matter how big or successful, have their own history and a proud group of loyal, passionate supporters.
Photographer and European football fan Andy Barrow took a stroll around the stadium of Barcelona’s ‘other’ football team. His elegant photographs celebrate the modern style and architecture of the the ground, also know as the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat, which Espanoyl first moved into at the start of the 2009–10 season following a spell playing at the former Barcelona Olympic Stadium, the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc.
In his own words, Andy talks about the clubs past and present, and their existence alongside one of world footballs biggest clubs.
“Nestled on the outskirts of Barcelona, the Stage Front stadium is home to RCD Espanyol. It stands as a testament to the club’s rich and vibrant history. A modern multipurpose 45,000 plus seater arena – stylish and interesting much like the city itself.
“Delving into Espanyol’s story, I found myself reminiscing about Spanish football in the 90-00s; the kis – Kappa, Kelme and Umbro, Sky Sports’ coverage, the football – all technique and passion. Not to mention, the iconic players on our screens like Rivaldo, Raúl, Diego Tristán and Espanyol’s very own Raúl Tamudo…a regular on my Football Manager shopping list back in the day.
“When you walk through the trophy room, the old black and white photos everywhere, the silverware, I’m reminded that every club has a story. Whether that’s the “other club” from your home town or a small local one, that history is just as important as any other to their fans.
“Started by students 123 years ago for the working class people of the city compared to their infamous neighbours, Espanyols mantra ‘La Força D’un Sentiment’ (the strength of a feeling) says a lot about what Espanyol represents. Their journey has been very much, the proverbial, rollercoaster.
“In that time the club have won four Copa del Rey’s, played in two European Cup final’s, had several top four finishes, promotions / relegations and near misses along the way. Only four teams have spent more seasons in La Liga.
“More recently and interestingly is that since the mid 90s, several Spanish sides have had a similar trajectory and story. Mallorca, Alavés, Celta Vigo and more prominently Deportivo have all flown towards the sun, but staying there is always the difficult bit.
“Why? This was a question I asked myself as I walked amongst the blue and white Corridors of Los Pericos. Each club unique of course, but there were patterns they had in common. Firstly, they all had strong team spirit, passionate fan base, focus on player development and smart recruitment during these times.
“During their successful periods, these clubs achieved beyond expectations than their usual standing. Often punching above their weight and challenging the established football powerhouses, leading each to some level of success. All of the clubs mentioned, (including Espanyol) experienced memorable European runs for example – reaching the semi-finals or finals, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level.
“If I think back to those sides in that time… the word stability comes to mind. With relatively low player turnover, consistency in style and leadership too.
“However, the journey of Espanyol and these other clubs has been a tale of two halves. As the 2000s progressed, financial challenges versus the ‘elite clubs’ coupled with the departure of key players led to all these clubs struggling (all of which having been relegated at least once in the last 5 years).
“Espanyol’s drop down the league (a 2nd in 3 years) is a tough pill to swallow for fans who had witnessed the club’s past glories and was culminated in the ultimate insult when a local rivals Barca celebrated winning the 2023 league title at the home of their neighbours causing a pitch invasion.
“But amidst the challenges, there lies hope and a way forward. What I saw on my recent trip, whether it’s Catalan Championships, Copa Del Rey’s or iconic managers such as Zamora or Clemente. Their is a pride and passion burning there. It stood as a reminder that it’s not just the supposed ‘Big 6’ or a Super league that matters in football.
“Football has existed for much longer and wider than just the Premier league. Similarly, clubs like Wolves, Frankfurt & West Ham to name a few remind us that there is a rich past and stories to tell about so many clubs and what ‘success’ is.
“n recent years, learning from traditionally smaller teams like Brentford or Brighton, USG in Belgium, Getafe CF and FC Famalicão in Portugal as a blue print could part of the answer.
“All who rose to prominence through smart player recruitment, investment in youth development and sound behind-the-scenes management. These clubs have demonstrated that through analytics, youth development, a strong philosophy you can compete.
“By embracing a similar blueprint, perhaps Espanyol can rekindle the spirit of those great teams of the 20s, 50s, 90s and their beloved 2007 side and once again become a side to be reckoned with in both Spanish and European football, writing a new chapter in their story.
“On my cab ride back to the city, my cab driver an old local supporter defined the club by simply saying “por la gente para la gente,” (by the people, for the people).
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