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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Blaugrana closing in on Spanish top-flight crown</li><li>Due to face local rivals on May 15</li><li>Espanyol already warned over fan behaviour</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Why Barcelona could win La Liga title in front of no fans! Reaction to Antony goal leaves Espanyol facing stadium ban ahead of Catalan derby

LaLiga

Espanyol

Barcelona

<p>The Blaugrana hold a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/advantage-inter-barcelona-champions-league-plan-ruined-gruelling-la-liga-comeback-real-valladolid-hansi-flick/blt2d012e9457f081a5" target="_blank">four-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid</a> as things stand. Another <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/when-is-the-next-el-clasico-the-dates-of-real-madrid-vs-barcelona-2020-21-fixtures/2uq1e7998cfo1g1c1nwcyvell" target="_blank">Clasico clash is due to take place</a> on Sunday - after Barca have faced Inter in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>If Hansi Flick’s side were to secure bragging rights and three points against Real, then they would be one win away from confirming their coronation as the kings of Spanish football. They could get over that line against Espanyol on May 15.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>There may be no fans in attendance for that contest. That is because Espanyol supporters took to throwing lighters at Brazilian forward <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-antony-curls-in-most-outrageous-goal-for-real-betis-yet-seal-last-gasp-win-espanyol-man-utd-loanee-manuel-pellegrini-champions-league-qualification/blt8a799e7f18feeae7" target="_blank">Antony after seeing him net a last-gasp winner</a> for Real Betis at RCDE Stadium. The game was halted, with an announcement made that it would not continue until the incidents stopped.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Espanyol were punished due to similar behaviour from their fans during a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal in October 2024. A cup was thrown at match referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez, which bounced off his chest. The Catalan outfit were handed a €3,000 fine and a one-game suspended stadium ban. It was made clear to Espanyol that further misdemeanours would lead to turnstiles being closed for one fixture. If that threat is followed through, then no fans will be in attendance for a derby date with Barca.</p>

TELL ME MORE

<p>Barcelona <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/watch-chaos-barcelona-players-espanyol-fans-storm-pitch-title-celebrations/blt787b97c2e5e07a3c" target="_blank">won the Liga title at Espanyol in 2023, leading to home supporters invading the pitch</a>. A stadium ban was imposed back then, with similar sanctions now on the cards as authorities in Spain decide what to do next and how quickly to impose any sanctions.</p><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is mad. An absolute disgrace. Espanyol fans invading the pitch trying to assault Barça players &amp; staff celebrating their league title. Footage is shocking.<a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthleticFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/1B3THBlq0B">pic.twitter.com/1B3THBlq0B</a></p>— Pol Ballús (@polballus) <a href="https://twitter.com/polballus/status/1657852157016657920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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WHAT NEXT?

Why Barcelona could win La Liga title in front of no fans! Reaction to Antony goal leaves Espanyol facing stadium ban ahead of Catalan derby | Goal.com

Barcelona could win the Liga title for 2024-25 in front of empty stands, with Catalan derby rivals Espanyol facing a stadium ban threat.

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