The season could not have started worse, losing 10–1 to Athletic Bilbao and losing the Catalan Championship which was eventually won by X Sporting Club,[1][2] their biggest rival at the time, as the original RCD Espanyol had to suspend its activities at the start of the 1905–06 season.

[3] The growing decline in popular support made the club take the risky decision of inviting Madrid FC to play a friendly match, despite the unpredictable reactions that a defeat could cause.

[3][4] But thanks to reinforcements from other teams in the city, such as Сharles Wallace of FC Internacional, and Ponz of X Sporting Club, they played a great game and won 5–2.

[4][5][6] When the Barça players and managers left the banquet they offered them, the Madridistas took it as an insult and criticized them with provocative words.

[3] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.