The derby is always a match that carries an extra dose of motivation and pressure, and above all, emotional intensity. But in tonight’s encounter, all eyes and emotions are focused on one player: Juan Garcia. The Catalan goalkeeper is returning for the first time to the RCDE Stadium since his controversial departure to Barcelona last summer.

Espanyol fans did not accept his departure, especially since it came after Barcelona paid the release clause and he transferred to their traditional rival. The goalkeeper is expected to receive a hostile reception, despite repeated calls for calm from Espanyol, including from players, management, and fan associations. The white and blue fans have not forgiven him for what they consider a betrayal.

Juan García defended Espanyol's goal for nine seasons after joining the club's academy in 2016 from Damm. However, last summer, the 24-year-old goalkeeper from Salient decided to change his path and sign with Barcelona.

Espanyol's management refused to negotiate, forcing Barcelona to pay the 25 million euro release clause. This decision sparked anger within the management and especially among the fans, who saw the transfer as a major betrayal. Threatening graffiti even appeared on the goalkeeper's hometown walls shortly after the deal was confirmed.

Tonight, Juan Garcia returns to the place that was once his home, but he won't feel the same way. Espanyol has tightened security measures for a high-risk match, including installing nets behind the goals to prevent objects from being thrown, as well as increasing inspections at the entrances.

Hans Flick confirmed in statements yesterday that the goalkeeper appears calm, focused, and ready for the derby, expressing his hope that an atmosphere of respect will prevail during the match.

Despite calls for calm, the reception remains hostile, as the fans have not forgotten. Espanyol’s coach Manolo González also commented on the return of his former goalkeeper, saying: "What’s happening here is that everyone is waiting for Espanyol to make a mistake so they can pounce from any angle, but that won’t happen. And we don’t want lessons in behavior. I remind my friends of what happened when Luis Figo returned to Camp Nou... They are not in a position to give lessons to anyone."