Joan García will kick off 2026 with a high-stakes Espanyol-Barça

The Catalan derby on Saturday, January 3rd will not be just another match. Beyond the historic rivalry between Espanyol and FC Barcelona, the spotlight will be on one particular name: Joan Garcia. The Barça goalkeeper will return to the RCDE Stadium for the first time defending the goal for Barça, a highly charged setting that has forced the home club to activate special security measures.

The match of matchday 18 of the League, the first of the year for both teams, is classified as a high-risk game. At Espanyol, there is evident concern about the reaction that part of their fanbase may have towards their former goalkeeper, who is now a direct rival in an always unpredictable derby.

Reinforced security device for a high-risk Espanyol-Barça match

The Catalan derby will feature a significant increase in security personnel. Both the Mossos d'Esquadra and private security will increase their presence, especially in the areas near the goals.

Although the definitive device is still pending, the intention is to exercise greater control over the stands and act quickly in the face of any uncivil behavior. At Espanyol, they are aware that any incident could have immediate disciplinary consequences.

Giant nets to protect the goals in Cornellà

One of the main measures being considered is the installation of large nets behind both goals. This is an unusual measure at Espanyol's stadium, but it is considered necessary to deter possible object throwing towards the Barça goalkeeper

The plan is to place these nets in both the goal in front of the Grada Canito, where the most fervent section of the Perico fans is concentrated, and in the Prat goal. The objective is to reduce any risk and ensure that the match can proceed without interruptions or serious incidents

Espanyol's Fear of an Exemplary Sanction

At the white and blue club, the fear of a possible sanction is not hidden. There are recent precedents that weigh heavily on their memory, such as the pitch invasion that occurred two and a half seasons ago after Barça's league title celebration in Cornellà, an episode that already led to the partial closure of the stadium.

A repeat offense could lead to the partial or even total closure of the RCDE Stadium. For this reason, Espanyol has been working preventatively for weeks to ensure that the return of Joan Garcia does not become a broader institutional and sporting problem.

The derby on January 3 will therefore be a test of maturity for everyone: for the fans, for the clubs, and for Joan Garcia, who will experience one of the most demanding matches of his career, now defending the colors of Barça in the stadium where he trained.