Overview
- Espanyol has reinforced stadium protocols with exhaustive access checks, protective nets behind both goals, backpack bans, and a beefed-up police deployment given prior disciplinary warnings at RCDE Stadium.
- Hansi Flick urged supporters to focus on backing their teams, said Joan Garcia is calm and confident for his first return to Cornellà, confirmed Dani Olmo is available, and noted Ronald Araújo is not yet ready to fully return.
- Espanyol coach Manolo González criticized the appointment of Catalan referee Víctor García Verdura as unnecessary controversy, emphasized a sporting focus, and indicated Charles Pickel is away at the Africa Cup with Javi Puado and Ramon Terrats expected to be in the squad.
- Espanyol forward Pere Milla’s joking comment on a TV show about stepping on Lamine Yamal has added friction in the build-up, despite being delivered in a satirical setting.
- In form notes and other updates, Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic enters the derby with seven clean sheets in 17 matches and a 76.7% save rate, Real Avilés likely loses Viti for the trip to Ourense, Córdoba is reported to have a >€2 million offer for Adrián Fuentes, and Athletic includes Iñaki Williams for Osasuna.