Fifteen people were injured after a car ploughed into a crowd outside Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium ahead of Thursday night’s La Liga match against Barcelona. Catalan police confirmed that a woman has been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred just before kickoff.
Footage circulating on social media shows a vehicle veering into a group of supporters as tensions ran high near the stadium gates. Of those injured, three were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the remaining 12 suffered minor wounds. Authorities quickly moved to contain the situation, reassuring the public that the incident was "under control" and posed no threat to spectators inside the stadium.
The atmosphere inside was immediately affected, with the match paused in the eighth minute as Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia conferred with referee Cesar Soto Grado, who subsequently spoke with players, police officers, and team staff before allowing play to resume two minutes later.
Sections of the home crowd were visibly shaken. Supporters behind the goal defended by Garcia began leaving, and more fans particularly in the Grada Canito, where Espanyol's ultras sit exited their seats during the first half. Garcia was repeatedly urged by fans not to restart play until the situation outside was clarified. The stadium’s public address system later announced no life-threatening injuries, offering some relief.
Barcelona crowned LaLiga champions
Despite the unsettling events, the match continued, culminating in a 2-0 victory for Barcelona. Young star Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock with a dazzling effort in the 53rd minute before Fermin Lopez sealed the win deep into stoppage time.
The result clinched the La Liga title for Barcelona, ensuring that Real Madrid managed by Carlo Ancelotti will finish the season without a major trophy.While the night marked a high point for the Catalan giants on the pitch, it was marred by the troubling scenes outside the stadium
