[3] Periquitos began their La Liga campaign on 30 August with a 1–0 home win over Real Valladolid at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, courtesy of a goal early in the second half from Luis García.

[4] They followed this up with a win by the same scoreline against Recreativo de Huelva at Nuevo Colombino, before a 1–1 home draw with Getafe and losses against Sevilla and Barcelona during September.

[5] October brought mixed fortunes for Blanquiazules, with creditable draws against Real Madrid and Villarreal in the league, as well as against Segunda División side Celta Vigo in the first leg of their Copa del Rey round of 32 tie at Balaídos.

[19] Although they ultimately lost the return leg at Camp Nou 3–2 to exit the competition, Espanyol's league form began to improve, with three consecutive 1–1 draws against Valladolid, Recreativo and Getafe.

They again faced Barcelona at Camp Nou, where a quick-fire brace early in the second half from Monaco loanee Nenê was enough to secure a 2–1 win, despite Yaya Touré pulling a goal back for the hosts soon afterwards.

[21] The derby win did not immediately allow Periquitos to gain momentum in the league, with only a 3–3 home draw with Mallorca interrupting a run of three losses in four games, against Real Madrid, Villarreal and Osasuna.

[29] 2008–09 was Espanyol's final season playing at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, with their new home at Cornellà-El Prat inaugurated with a 3–0 friendly win over Liverpool on 2 August.