Overview
- The LaLiga Jornada 18 derby is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at RCDE Stadium, with Barcelona leading the table and Espanyol pushing for European places.
- Espanyol announced reinforced security that includes protective nets behind the goals and a ban on Barcelona-identifying shirts, scarves or symbols, with violations subject to fines from €150 to €650,000.
- Heightened precautions follow Joan García’s summer move from Espanyol to Barcelona, with the goalkeeper set for his first game back in Cornellà-El Prat.
- Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal did not train on January 1 after briefly arriving at the club facility, and his availability for the derby remains uncertain, according to La Vanguardia.
- Broadcasts are confirmed: M+ LaLiga in Spain, ESPN Deportes in the United States, Sky Sports in Mexico, and DSports (DirecTV) across much of South America.