Late Kickoff, Big Questions: Espanyol-Barcelona Derby Fuels La Liga Debate

Derby timing sparks security debate in La Liga

Criticism is mounting in Spain over the timing of the Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona scheduled for next Saturday in La Liga, amid a charged atmosphere and growing security concerns, with Barcelona's veteran stopper Juan Garcia returning to his former rivals' stadium.

Journalist and sports analyst Tomás Guasch slammed La Liga on COPE radio for staging the match at a late hour (9 p.m. local), arguing the timing will only heighten tensions.

Guasch said, There isn't a single sane person in Spanish football, adding that such a kickoff period gives ample time for resentment to build before the whistle.

He even proposed moving the game to 2 p.m. to cool the atmosphere, reduce pre‑match crowds and alcohol consumption, and in turn calm the stands on kickoff.

The derby at Cornella-El Prat is especially sensitive due to heightened security measures Espanyol has prepared, as Juan Garcia returns to the ground in his old Barcelona shirt for the first time since his summer move, a development that has sparked outrage among Espanyol supporters.

Earlier, Silvia Rodríguez, head of Espanyol's supporters association, intensified the mood with strong remarks, insisting that Juan Garcia's reception should be hostile or at least cold and indifferent.

Hope of easing the tension remains fragile, with security checks, crowd control and the players' focus under the spotlight as kick-off approaches.

The reception of Juan Garcia should be aggressive or at least cold and indifferent, Rodríguez said.

As the debate rages, stakeholders insist the derby should be played safely and with a cool head, not a fever dream of controversy.

Punchline: If tension counted as a goal, this match would be unstoppable.

Punchline 2: The only red card tonight might be the clock for not starting yet.