Several factors make Barcelona’s clash against Espanyol later today one of the most heated Catalan derbies in recent times.
For starters, it is the first time in years that both teams are doing phenomenally well on a sporting level at the time of their meeting, with Barcelona being league leaders and Espanyol firmly in fifth place.
The bigger factor behind rising tensions, however, is the transfer of Joan Garcia in the summer. The goalkeeper, after all, was an Espanyol star until last season and made the forbidden move to Barcelona in the summer to pursue his dream.
Nasty chants
It is well known that the RCDE Stadium will present a very hostile environment towards Joan Garcia later today when the game begins, and understandably so because they feel hard done by his transfer to Barcelona.
While loyalty and faith do indeed play a vital role in the sport, there is an unsaid line that must not be crossed, but a section of the Espanyol fans are already beginning to cross it.
“We want Joan’s head,” several Espanyol ultras were seen campaigning ahead of the game today, and it is clear that wishing death on a player for his professional decision is a line that must not be crossed.
The hosts are aware of the hostility expected and have even reportedly set up nets behind the goal to ensure no objects are flung at the player during the proceedings.
Yet, security must maintain a close eye on the audience at all times.
From Garcia’s point of view, the player is well aware that the game will be his most difficult one yet and is fully prepared to face the hostility. It remains to be seen what kind of performance he can deliver at his former home.