FC Barcelona visits RCD Espanyol this Saturday (9:00 PM) in the hottest Catalan derby of the last decade. In addition to the last two precedents in Cornellà, both ending in victory and a league title for the Blaugrana, the return of Joan García spices up a rivalry that Lamine Yamal has also helped to fuel.
The '10' added more spice to the build-up to LaLiga's 18th matchday with two stories on his **Instagram** account recalling the spectacular goal that paved the way for victory and the league title last season in the matchday 36 clash (0-2, with goals from Lamine and Fermín López).
"Looking forward to returning," wrote the player from Mataró, accompanied by two emojis in Barça's colors and a photograph of himself celebrating the partial 0-1 score in the 53rd minute of the match played on May 15, 2025. Yamal also uploaded another image of the celebration with Alejandro Balde in a game in which he was the standout player
Lamine once again heats up a high-risk match for Barça
That day, in addition to scoring a colossal goal, the winger caused the expulsion of Leandro Cabrera in the 80th minute and, in stoppage time, assisted Fermín for the goal that sealed the match and LaLiga 24/25, with two matchdays still to play
Lamine's reaction prior to a 'high-risk' match for Barça on social media has been common this season. The '10' also published viral messages before the matches against Real Madrid and Chelsea, where he subsequently received several 'dedications' after two painful defeats for the Catalans.
Prior to the visit to Cornellà, his second in the blaugrana shirt, the 18-year-old winger had raised alarms due to his absence from Thursday's training session. However, the forward trained normally on Friday and Hansi Flick guaranteed his presence on Saturday in the Catalan derby
Lamine Yamal's message, a response to Pere Milla
Lamine Yamal's Instagram post, however, was not the first to heat up the Espanyol-Barça match in the lead-up to matchday 18. During an interview for the program 'Perico que vola', **Pere Milla** had sent a 'dart' at the Barça number 10 after answering a question from an 'blanquiazul' fan.
"Who do you want to step on, Joan Garcia or Lamine Yamal?", asked the fan, to which the 33-year-old forward, after taking a few seconds to respond, commented: "I think Lamine", sparking laughter from the show's panel.
Barça and Espanyol arrive on a roll for matchday 18 of LaLiga, with 8 and 5 consecutive victories, respectively. The 'culés' are leaders with 46 points, +4 ahead of Real Madrid and winter champions. The 'pericos' arrive with 33 points, in fifth place and in Europa League spots.