The last Espanyol-Barça derby at Montjuïc was played on Saturday, September 27, 2008, a dark night that could have ended in tragedy. It is known as the derby of the flares, those launched by the fans. Boixos Chicos From the away section of the stadium, located high above one of the goals, towards the stand below, occupied by home fans, many of them with their families.

Fran Garagarza had long considered the idea of creating a second Espanyol reserve team, introducing an Espanyol C into the blue and white structure. After exploring various possibilities, in early 2025 he contacted Vilassar de Mar, a historic club from Maresme with over a century of history that competed in the Third Division RFEF. The threat of relegation from the Elite League cooled negotiations, but despite the confirmation of the relegation, talks resumed in June, concluding with an agreement whereby Vilassar would become Espanyol's second reserve team.

In the Copa Catalunya final, Espanyol debuted its third kit, a navy blue colorway with the flag across the chest and neck. "It's inspired by the rich history and culture of Catalonia" and "is perfect for those who want to show their pride in Catalonia and Espanyol," the club proclaimed when unveiling the shirt, with a clear, Catalan slogan: "The shirt is our flag."