Espanyol coach Rubi has called on Barcelona defender Gerard Pique to show "sporting spirit" tonight.

Pique has endured a tense relationship with Espanyol fans in recent seasons.

"Our mindset will be on the sporting side of things and I hope it's the same for him," Rubi said in Friday's pre-derby press conference when asked about Pique.

"I am convinced that it will be this way from both sides.

"We started to talk about the derby from Wednesday onwards, so have had three days to prepare.

"Our players want to be the first ones in history to beat Barcelona in the league at the RCD Stadium.

"If we play like we did before the Getafe and Girona matches then it'll be a very even game.

"I don't know if it'll be the most even derby ever, but there's no doubt that we'll have a chance."