Overview
- The Catalan derby is set for Saturday, Jan. 3 at RCDE Stadium as LaLiga returns for Matchday 18.
- Espanyol said it has installed protective nets behind the goals to deter any aggression toward Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García.
- The club will bar entry to spectators displaying Barça jerseys, scarves or other identifiable symbols.
- Officials referenced prior crowd trouble in May 2023 and heightened emotions over García, a 24-year-old academy product who left for Barça in the summer.
- Barcelona ends 2025 leading LaLiga and as its top-scoring side, and local previews project a proactive XI under Hansi Flick featuring Koundé, Pedri, De Jong, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski.