Barcelona may play the title match without fans
Barcelona are in danger of having to play their potential 2024-25 La Liga title decider behind closed doors following riots at the stadium of their Catalan derby rivals, Espanyol . While the Blaugrana are closing in on the title, leading the standings by four points over rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona is set to face Espanyol on May 15 in what could be a decisive clash if they manage to beat Los Blancos in the highly anticipated El Clásico following their Champions League clash with Inter Milan . However, the anticipated match is in danger of being played behind closed doors after Espanyol fans threw lighters at Brazilian striker Antony during their team's recent match against Real Betis in protest after he scored a last-gasp winner, temporarily halting the match . The Spanish Football Federation had previously warned Espanyol following a similar incident last October, when a plastic cup was thrown at the referee during a defeat to Villarreal. The incident resulted in a fine and a suspended one-match ban for fans. The club was warned that any further violations would trigger the ban immediately . If the ban is implemented, Espanyol fans will be banned from attending the derby against Barcelona, meaning the Catalan club could celebrate the coveted title in a muted atmosphere. This scenario recalls Barcelona's 2023 title triumph at Cornella Stadium, which ended with Espanyol fans invading the pitch .
