The build-up to the Catalan derby has taken a sharper edge after comments made by Espanyol winger Pere Milla brought fresh controversy into an already high-risk fixture.
This derby arrives under unusual circumstances. Barcelona sit at the top of the table, but Espanyol are enjoying one of their best runs in recent years.
In the buildup, Milla found himself at the centre of attention after appearing on a comedy programme titled Perico Que Vola.
The atmosphere was light-hearted, but one moment in particular has since taken on greater significance.
What’s the story?
During the show, a member of the audience was handed the microphone and posed a provocative question to the Espanyol winger, asking him who he would rather “step on” between Joan Garcia and Lamine Yamal.
After pausing briefly, Milla delivered his response, which was met with laughter and applause inside the studio. “I think Lamine,” he said.
With the derby approaching, even remarks framed as jokes are now being viewed through a more serious lens, particularly given the tension surrounding the fixture.
Ya tenemos más gasolina para el derbi catalán. Le preguntan a Pere Milla: "¿A quién pisarías, a Joan García o a Lamine Yamal?"
-"Yo creo que a Lamine"
"Pere Milla quiere pisar a Lamine Yamal", añade luego el propio jugador corrigiendo al periodistapic.twitter.com/E0GJa86Qst
— BeSoccer (@besoccer_ES) January 2, 2026
The programme itself pushed boundaries further. During the same show, the hosts invited Milla to take shots at a cardboard cut-out of Joan Garcia.
The game awarded the highest score for hitting the cut-out’s head.
Saturday’s game at the RCDE Stadium has already been classified as “high risk”, prompting additional security protocols.
Among the measures confirmed is the installation of safety nets behind both goals, aimed at protecting Joan Garcia during the encounter.
In parallel, a strong warning has been issued this week, reminding supporters that any actions threatening safety or public order could lead to heavy penalties.
Fans and members have been informed that fines could range from €150 to as much as €650,000, underlining just how seriously the situation is being treated.