Cule Angles
Visca el filòsof!
LOL, pretty much, except Bolton were a decent side in the 1950s. Espanyol have never been a decent side. Middlesbrough would maybe be more accurate.
They have won 4 spanish cups and have been members of la liga for a good while.
They have to live in the same city as are arguably the biggest club in the world. Most other clubs in that situation would wither away and die and be a segunda league team. So not only are they regular members of la liga they have WON 4 FOUR spanish cups and have reached 3 uefa cup finals, bigger teams haven't reached 1 final let alone 3.
So they get my respect.
As I said in my experience when I am in town, which from 2002-2008 was 2-3 times a year so roughly 20 times I have visited Barcelona with family and stayed with family. I have met a good few espanyol supporters had a few beers with them and some good conversations. A few I have met are bitter but most of them are really nice people and they have gained my respect.
So I was rooting for them to escape relegation and happy they did so.
Beating us 2-0 currently in their brand new stadium. We look very poor by all accounts.
Still I cannot remember a pre season under Rafa where we were any good...