Key Highlights
- Espanyol fans plan a hostile welcome for Joan García upon his return as a Barcelona player.
- Groups of Espanyol’s radical supporters reportedly plan to throw rats onto the field during the match.
- García has been criticized by a significant section of the Espanyol fanbase for joining Barcelona, calling him a “traitor”.
- The derbi between Espanyol and Barcelona is expected to be highly charged due to this situation.
Hostile Welcome Awaits Joan García in Derbi
The upcoming encounter between FC Barcelona and Espanyol, known as the derbi catalán, promises to be a volatile affair. Amidst heightened tensions, one name stands out: Joan García. The 24-year-old goalkeeper made headlines when he switched from Espanyol to Barcelona in recent months.
García’s move to Barcelona was met with mixed reactions at the RCDE Stadium.
While some supporters celebrated his signing for a club that has long been seen as an arch-rival, others vehemently opposed it. This divide is particularly evident in the fanbase of Espanyol, where García’s reputation as a “traitor” remains intact.
Radical Fans’ Plans and Background
According to reports from the sports media outlet RCM Sport, radical fans of Barcelona are planning to launch a symbolic protest. They intend to throw rats onto the field in the early moments of the match. This gesture is meant as a direct insult towards Joan García, who now wears the colors of his former rivals.
A local businessman from the area around Cornellà, where Espanyol plays its home games, confirmed that fans approached him about disposing of rats recently. The businessman stated that he received inquiries on how to effectively manage rat infestations, suggesting a deliberate plan behind this alleged protest.
Current Form and Impact
Despite the hostile reception awaited at RCDE Stadium, Espanyol enters the match in good form. The team has won its last five games consecutively, putting them in a strong position to challenge for higher league standings. Meanwhile, García’s performance with Barcelona remains under scrutiny.
While he has conceded 14 goals in his first 15 appearances, his contributions in key moments have been crucial.
His defensive stances and decisive interventions have provided stability to the Barcelona defense under coach Hansi Flick. This balance between vulnerability and strength defines García’s current role within the team.
As the derbi approaches, all eyes will be on how these two teams and their players navigate this historic rivalry. The atmosphere promises to be electric, reflecting not only on-field performances but also off-field animosities that have long defined this intense match-up in Catalan football.