Multiple people were injured in a car incident outside RCDE Stadium on Thursday, just over an hour before kickoff for the match between Espanyol and Barcelona. Supporters had gathered to greet the team bus when the incident occurred.
Details of the Incident
- Local police confirmed that the driver of the car had been detained.
- It remains unclear whether it was a deliberate attack or a case of losing control of the vehicle.
- Several people were hit by the car and injured outside the stadium. Medical services are attending to those hurt, and officials report that their injuries do not appear serious.
- According to one source, two fans suffered minor injuries, along with some broken glass from shattered windshields. The driver has been taken into custody for questioning.
Match Context
The situation is under control, with no risk to those already inside the stadium. Thursday night’s match between Espanyol and Barcelona could see Hansi Flick’s side seal the La Liga title if they win against Xavi Hernandez’s men.
Espanyol has not commented on the incident but stated they would provide more information later after speaking with local authorities. The club expressed gratitude to fans who came out despite the circumstances.
Barcelona also released a statement acknowledging the incident and promised to provide further information once more details are available. Coach Xavi Hernandez expressed his best wishes to everyone involved, stating he was unaware of the situation.
Team Performance and Player Updates
- Barcelona can secure their first La Liga title since 2019 with a victory over Espanyol, provided Real Madrid loses to Osasuna later that night.
- Barcelona has won 12 consecutive matches in La Liga, while Espanyol is without a win in their last five games.
- Espanyol’s last home game ended in a 1-0 defeat to Getafe, while Barcelona recently thrashed Sevilla 3-0 away.
Player Spotlight: Robert Lewandowski
Hansi Flick’s side will be looking for another strong performance from Robert Lewandowski, who has scored seven goals in his last four games, including both goals against Sevilla. Fans were seen cheering as Lewandowski arrived at RCDE Stadium ahead of kickoff.
- Lewandowski has scored nine times this season, placing him second behind Karim Benzema, who has netted ten times so far.
- Benzema is set to miss Real Madrid’s clash with Osasuna due to injury, potentially allowing Lewandowski to close the gap in the top scorer race.
Lewandowski’s agent recently denied reports linking him with Manchester United or Bayern Munich, while revealing interest from other clubs, including Chelsea, but no concrete offers yet.
Lewandowski’s Experience at Barcelona
Lewandowski spoke about the challenges of adapting to life at Barcelona, stating:
"I am still getting used to life here. I am still learning things every day. I am trying my best every day because I want success here too."
He emphasized the pressure he feels and his commitment to working hard to achieve success with the team.
In a recent interview, Lewandowski explained why he chose Barcelona over other clubs during the transfer window, highlighting the desire to play alongside Ansu Fati again, with whom he had previously formed a strong friendship at Bayern Munich.
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