Video shows car plowing into crowd before Espanyol-Barcelona derby: 13 injuries reported near RCDE Stadium
A vehicle struck several people near the RCDE Stadium just before the Espanyol vs. Barcelona match; authorities confirm 13 minor injuries.
The highly anticipated Espanyol vs. Barcelona derby was preceded by a distressing incident outside the RCDE Stadium, where a car plowed into a crowd just minutes before the match. Shocking footage of the event quickly spread across social media, showing scenes of panic and a swift police response.
Fortunately, despite the chaotic visuals, authorities have confirmed that no one was seriously injured. Thirteen people sustained minor injuries, and the situation was declared under control shortly after the incident.
Incident was accidental, driver detained
Catalonia’s police force, the Mossos d’Esquadra, have opened an investigation and confirmed that the event was accidental. Early findings suggest that the driver, a woman behind the wheel of a white vehicle, first unintentionally struck a young woman. The impact drew attention from bystanders, who began yelling at the driver and throwing objects at her car.
Overwhelmed and panicked, the driver reportedly lost control and accelerated, unintentionally driving into the crowd. Authorities have confirmed that the woman has been detained and that no malicious intent is suspected.
Match paused briefly as police took control
The incident took place just before kickoff. By the 7th minute of the match, Espanyol made a public announcement via stadium loudspeakers to reassure fans: “Attention: We inform you that the incident outside the stadium is under control and there are no serious injuries.”
Following the announcement, the referee temporarily halted the game and held a brief meeting with team officials and a representative of the Mossos d’Esquadra. The match resumed shortly after. Emergency services, including several ambulances, responded promptly to assist the injured and secure the area.
Barcelona clinch title in emotional derby victory
Barcelona officially secured the La Liga title with a 2–0 win over Espanyol in a tense Catalan derby marked by both sporting achievement and a disturbing pre-match incident. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, delivered a stunning goal to open the scoring and confirm a season of personal and team triumphs. Férmin López sealed the result in stoppage time, capping a night where Barça's dominance translated into silverware — their 28th domestic league title, and their first under manager Hansi Flick.
The title-deciding match unfolded against a chaotic backdrop, as news spread of a car accident just outside RCDE Stadium minutes before kickoff. Despite the brief pause in play to address the incident, Barcelona maintained focus on the pitch. Veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who came out of retirement for one last season, played a pivotal role in the first half with two critical saves, while Espanyol’s early efforts couldn’t capitalize on Barça’s slow tempo. The result left the home crowd frustrated, and Barcelona’s players celebrating on rival turf — but in far more subdued scenes than in 2023, when a similar derby win ended in a pitch invasion.
