INAUGURATION OF THE RCDE STADIUM: A MAGICAL NIGHT FOR ESPANYOL
Marc Gázquez
SPORT 45
Espanyol inaugurated their new ‘home’ 15 years ago with a match against Liverpool that remains in the memory of all ‘pericos’ fans.
Exactly 15 years ago, Espanyol opened the doors to their new stadium in Cornellà-El Prat. After years of waiting and following their time at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys, the blanquiazul club inaugurated their new home, a stadium befitting a historic club.
On 2 August 2009, Espanyol chose Liverpool to play the inaugural match at the RCDE Stadium. The ‘perico’ fans were fully engaged, with the celebration starting outside the stadium. Thousands of blanquiazul supporters gathered at the stadium gates, enjoying music, performances, and activities for all ages.
RCDE Espanyol Bowl
RCDE Espanyol pitch
RCDE Espanyol Concourse
The faces of the fans radiated joy and excitement at having a new home they had long awaited. Inside the stadium, the celebration continued with a spectacular acrobatic performance by ‘La Fura dels Baus’ and ‘Los Deambulants’.
On the pitch, the ‘perico’ team rose to the occasion and demolished Liverpool. The team, captained by the much-missed Dani Jarque, capped off a memorable night with a resounding 3-0 victory over the English side. Luis García scored the first goal at the RCDE Stadium, and Ben Sahar sealed the match in grand style with a brace.
Exterior image of RCD Espanyol Stadium
Fifteen years after the inauguration of the ‘perico’ stronghold, the RCDE Stadium has witnessed it all. Europa League matches, intense derbies, relegations, and most notably, last season’s promotion to the First Division that allowed Espanyol to return to the elite of football.
