The highly anticipated Women’s Nations League fixture between Spain and England is set to take place at the RCDE Stadium (Cornellà-El Prat) on June 3rd, 2025. This clash of titans features the reigning Nations League champions, Spain, taking on a formidable England squad. With both teams boasting exceptional talent and a history of competitive encounters, the match promises an electrifying atmosphere and a display of top-tier football. Fans can expect a strategic battle as Spain’s possession-based style clashes with England’s tactical prowess, making for an unmissable event for football enthusiasts.
Not going to that game? RCD Espanyol are a great team and a fantastic alternative to FC Barcelona if you’re visiting the city.
RCDE Stadium: The Basics
- Full name: RCDE Stadium, a.k.a. Estadi Cornellà-El Prat.
- Location: Av. del Baix Llobregat 100, 08940 Cornellà de Llobregat (Barcelona) (southwest outskirts of Barcelona, on the border of the suburbs Cornellà de Llobregat and El Prat).
- Capacity: ~40,000 all-seater (tenth-largest in Spain).
- Opened: August 2, 2009 (inaugural friendly v. Liverpool); no major renovations since.
- Home team(s): RCD Espanyol (men’s LaLiga and women’s Liga F sides) (also CF Cornellà since 2022). Espanyol’s colours are blue and white.
- Unique features: Modern design with a transparent curtain-like façade (lit at night) and a roof covered by 0.5 MW of solar panels for energy efficiency. It is a four-star stadium built on 36,000 m². The venue won “Stadium of the Year 2010” and is shortlisted as a host for the 2030 Women’s World Cup.
First Impressions: The RCDE Stadium Experience
- Atmosphere: Locals note a lively, tight-knit crowd. One travel report says RCDE “has an atmosphere that is hard to forget”, with fans passionately wearing blue-white and singing throughout. Espanyol’s supporters are known for devotion to their club (often dubbed Barcelona’s “other” team).
- Crowd: The stadium is rarely full (Espanyol averages ~20,000 per game), but fans make plenty of noise. The dedicated “La Curva RCDE 1900” ultras section, located behind one goal, is a focal point – they lead continuous chants, drumming, and waving banners. Fans stand and clap together at the 21st minute of every match in honour of former captain Dani Jarque – a touchingly unique tradition.
- Fortress or friendly: RCDE is generally considered a safe, welcoming venue. The home crowd is fervent (especially in big games) but not known for violent hostility. Visitors report it feels more like a passionate local club than an intimidating fortress. Outside Catalunya derbies (where anti-Barcelona chants are familiar), the vibe is family-friendly and inclusive.
- Matchday traditions: Fans line up early wearing Espanyol colours. Although there is no official marching band or parade, expect to see banners and scarves in the stands. As noted, the 21st-minute applause for Jarque is observed. Some ultras display rivalry slogans (e.g. anti-Barça signs), but for a Spain vs England women’s match, the mood should be focused on supporting the national teams.
How to Get to RCDE Stadium
- By Metro/Train: The stadium is very well connected by rail. Take the Barcelona Metro L5 (blue line) to Cornellà Centre (map). From there it’s a 10–15 minute walk along Avinguda Baix Llobregat to the ground. The RENFE commuter lines R4/R7 also stop at Cornellà Centre (same walking distance). Alternatively, take the FGC suburban train L8 to Cornellà Riera, which is only ~5 minutes on foot. Tram lines T1 and T2 also serve the area (stop: Cornellà Centre).
- From City Centre: RCDE Stadium lies ~10 km southwest of Barcelona’s historic core. By Metro from Plaça Catalunya or Sants (via transfer to L5 at Collblanc), expect ~30 min travel time. By car/taxi, take the Ronda Litoral (B-10) or A-2 highway to exit Cornellà / L’Hospitalet and follow signs to Avinguda Baix Llobregat.
- Parking: Street parking near the stadium is minimal. The club advises fans to use the Polígono Industrial de Cornellà parking area a few blocks north (capacity ~4,000* vehicles). Parking here (offering free shuttle or foot access) is often reserved on match days. If driving, allow extra time for heavy traffic on the B-10/A-2.
- Nighttime safety: Cornellà de Llobregat is generally a quiet, working-class suburb. It is considered reasonably safe overall, but as with any city match outing, it is advisable to stay on lit roads and in groups. Local police usually patrol on match nights. Barcelona city centre is much busier at night, so many visiting fans return there after the game. Overall, fans describe the stadium environment as “safe and welcoming”.
How to get tickets for the RCDE Stadium
- Where to buy (upcoming game): All tickets for this Spain vs England game are sold through the Spanish FA (RFEF) official website (tickets.rfef.es). The England FA directs its fans to the same source. Espanyol’s box office does not handle national team games.
- Where to buy (Espanyol tickets): The easiest way to obtain Espanyol tickets for the La Liga games or otherwise is to use the club website.
- Price range: Basic tickets are pretty affordable: sideline seats (Tribuna) run about €20–25, while end-stand (Gol) tickets are about €15. The most expensive category (Presidential Tribune Centre) is approximately €25 before discounts. Children and seniors may be offered separate rates.
- Big-match advice: For key international fixtures, consider joining a supporter club lottery or travel package if official tickets sell out. Keep an eye on RFEF and FA announcements; sometimes, extra seats are released closer to the date. Beware, scalpers – only trust the federation’s site.
Where to Sit
The RCDE’s modern two-tier stands are steep and bring fans close to the action. Sightlines are excellent from most angles. Fans report these general guidelines:
- Ultras: The loudest supporters gather in the goal-end sections (the “Gol Cornellà/Gol Prat” stands). In particular, “La Curva RCDE 1900” occupies a top corner behind one goal and provides the constant chants and atmosphere. If you want to be in the middle of the party, a seat at the end of the stands is best.
- Tribuna (sidelines): The central tribuna and presidential tribuna (along the long side) are premium seats with expansive, covered views. Families and casual fans often sit here for the view. These sections are fully roofed (unlike the open corners), so you’ll stay dry in the rain. The main disadvantage is that these side seats tend to be quieter than the packed goal ends.
- View quality: All seats have unobstructed views of the pitch. Lower tiers (near pitch level) feel very close, while higher rows in the corners can be a bit far from the far goal. The best panoramic view is from mid-height along the side (Tribuna).
- Atmosphere: In practice, sitting behind a goal means absorbing the full roar. Some fans suggest that any seat in the end or corner will give a better ambience than the empty-looking upper sideline seats. (Espanyol crowds typically fill one or both ends more densely.)
Where to Eat Before the Game
- Nearby eateries: Immediately adjacent to RCDE is the Splau Shopping Centre. This modern mall has a wide variety of restaurants: La Tagliatella (Italian pasta and pizza), Tommy Mel’s (American-style burgers), Udon (Japanese noodles) and others like Rodilla (sandwiches), BBQ Ribs and Panchito (Mexican). These are mid-range sit-down options (expect €10–15 per person). They are open for lunch and dinner, making the stadium area surprisingly convenient.
- Fast food and casual: If you prefer quick eats, there are several chains nearby. A McDonald’s is on the Avenue. Baix Llobregat is within a few blocks. A Foster’s Hollywood (American burgers) is also in Cornellà. For pizza or kebabs, try local shops on nearby streets (TripAdvisor lists “Fofó Pizza” and grills like Kurz & Gut in town). Generally, bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches) from a local bar cost around €3–5, and a kebab or slice of pizza costs around €5–7.
- Tapas bars: Many fans enjoy pre-match tapas in Cornellà’s town centre (Cornellà Riera area). There are traditional bars serving patatas bravas, croquetas and cerveza for a few euros. According to one guide, “many fans prefer to enjoy local tapas at nearby bars before the match”, as the stadium food is unexciting. If you have time, sampling a bocata de tortilla (omelette sandwich) or pintxos near the train station is a classic local ritual.
- Fancy vs. budget: For a fancy meal, your best bet is central Barcelona rather than Cornellà. Near RCDE, the options are casual. Expect to spend €15–20 per person for pizza or burgers, and €30+ for a sit-down steak dinner.
- Fan zones: There is no permanent fan park on site. On big matchdays, the club sometimes sets up portable grills and beer stands outside (as they do for Espanyol men’s games), but nothing official is announced yet for this women’s match. The Splau plaza can host informal meet-ups, and nearby bars, right by Cornellà Centre station, will likely stay open.
Best Places to Drink
- Local bars (Cornellà): The immediate surroundings have mainly ordinary neighbourhood pubs. A few are within walking distance, serving beer (~€2–3 pint) and basic tapas or sandwiches. There is no well-known nightlife strip in Cornellà itself. The suburb tends to quiet down after 10 pm. As a mixed club, most bars here are family-friendly with standard European beers on tap (Estrella Damm, San Miguel, etc.). Craft beer and cocktail bars are virtually nonexistent in this industrial area. Spanish wine (house Rioja or cava) may be available by the glass as well.
- Inside the stadium: Zero-alcohol beer (usually local lager) and soft drinks are sold at the concourse kiosks. Expect to pay roughly €3–4 for a beer and €2 for a glass of water. No spirits are served.
- Fan zones/entertainment: No specific fan zone or concert is scheduled for June 3; however, anthemic music may play in the fan plaza (if set up). There is no beer garden on site aside from the kiosks. In previous Espanyol games, the club’s fan zones have offered DJs and big screens; check RCD Espanyol’s website for any announced pre-match events.
Inside the Stadium
- Food & drink: Expect the usual Spanish stadium concessions. Kiosks sell bocadillos (toasted sandwiches) such as tortilla (egg omelette), jamón (ham) or cheese, costing roughly €4–5. A hot dog or sausage is about €3.50. There are also snacks (popcorn, crisps, candy) and canned drinks. Prices are moderate by stadium standards: water €2, sodas €3.50. We’ve been told the hot chocolate is notably good on chilly days.
- Quality and value: Reviewers note the service is friendly, but queues can be extended at halftime. With 27 concession stands around the stadium, the choice is decent, but don’t expect gourmet food. Most fans find it cheaper and tastier to eat outside beforehand. Alcoholic drinks on-site are basic draft beers or wine; no speciality brews. Value-wise, prices are on par with other Spanish venues (roughly €7–10 for a sandwich+drink combo).
- Facilities: Toilets are modern and plentiful (with men’s and women’s at each end); lines form at halftime but clear quickly. The stadium is well-maintained. Please note that thanks are not allowed in its new construction (cleaning crews are efficient). The roof fully covers the seating, so you stay dry, though windy days can make it chilly even under the canopy. Overall cleanliness is high for a football match.
- Inside vibe: The crowd flows easily through wide concourses. Announcements are made in Catalan and Spanish. There is no elaborate half-time entertainment – just music over the PA. Most fans remain near their seats. Note that in Spain, smoking is banned indoors, so you’ll need to use outdoor smoking zones if required.
- Fan tradition: One notable in-game ritual at RCDE is the applause in the 21st minute for late Espanyol captain Dani Jarque (his shirt number was 21). Even though this is a national team match, many local fans may join this tribute out of habit.
On the Pitch
- Key players (Espanyol): Javi Puado was one of the more prolific players for Espanyol in the 2024/25 season, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists. Roberto Fernandez is another key player for the team, having put in a pivotal performance in the away fixture against Celta Vigo, having scored two goals against them.
Beyond Football
- Splau Shopping Centre (next door): Located immediately north of the stadium, Splau is a large mall with shops, a cinema and many restaurants. It’s a convenient spot to arrive early: you can browse stores (H&M, Decathlon, etc.) and get a coffee or bite before heading to RCDE. As noted, the mall’s food court has international cuisine (Italian, burgers, sushi, tapas).
- The local area of Cornellà is primarily residential and industrial, with few tourist attractions. The town’s centre (Cornellà Riera) is a short walk from the station (1-2 stops on L8) and has some pleasant pedestrian plazas, local bakeries and shops, but no major sights. There is a small historical church (Sant Ildefons) and parks, but most visitors skip Cornellà once the game is over. Many fans simply catch a metro back to central Barcelona.
- Nearby landmarks: For museums, Barcelona’s best are 15–20 minutes away by train. For example, from Cornellà you can take the FGC to Espanya and visit the National Art Museum (MNAC) or the Magic Fountain on Montjuïc. Alternatively, Metro L5 northbound goes to Sants/Badal (for Picasso Museum, Gothic Quarter) or Diagonal (for Passeig de Gràcia shops and Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera).
- Shops and leisure: In the stadium’s immediate vicinity, Splau covers all basic retail needs. If you stay in Barcelona proper, major shopping streets (Portal de l’Àngel, Las Ramblas, etc.) are easy to reach from Sants or Plaça Catalunya. Sports fans sometimes visit La Masia (FCB’s academy) or attend a basketball game at Palau Blaugrana, both near Camp Nou.
“Header Photo” by RCD Espanyol de Barcelona is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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