Real Madrid loanee Lucas Vazquez eyes Barcelona scalp with Espanyol

There is an extra incentive for Espanyol winger Lucas Vazquez when his side welcome Barcelona to Cornella El-Prat at the weekend. 

The 23-year-old is on loan at the Catalan city's other La Liga club from Barça's title rivals Real Madrid. 

A win, therefore, would not only boost Espanyol's hopes of finishing as high up the table as possible, it would also allow his employers in Madrid the chance to move to the top of the table.

"Some people have said to me that this game is one where Barcelona could drop points," Lucas said. 

"It arrives at a crucial time in the title race and if it does have consequences [for Madrid], well, that would be better."

Luis Enrique's side will make the short trip across Barcelona on the back of Tuesday night's match with PSG, but Lucas doesn't think fatigue will play into Espanyol's hands. 

"[Barça] are used to playing two games a week," he continued. 

"So I do not think that will influence anything. Besides, it's a derby game and that is motivation in itself."

Lucas has been an ever-present in Sergio Gonzalez's side this season and is a firm favourite with the home supporters. 

They regularly serenade him with chants asking him to stay at the club, a decision which Espanyol will have to make at the end of the season. 

And he's happy with his form following a dip a few months back, and is "really excited" about Saturday's match. 

"I've recovered my form," he added. "Things are going better and I hope we can finish the season well. 

"At Camp Nou [earlier in the season] we were playing well; were compact. 

"We got a goal in front but their equaliser [just before half time] changed things. We tried to take the game to Barcelona and I think that's the way to go."