Espanyol Sets the Derby Alight and Aims to “Step On” Lamine Yamal
The Catalan derby is already on fire before kickoff. Pere Milla dropped an explosive line about Lamine Yamal on a comedy show, igniting a buildup full of tension, controversy, and heightened security.
A phrase that lit the fuse of the Catalan derby
The derby between Espanyol and FC Barcelona has yet to be played, but it is already being felt with maximum intensity. The spark was lit by Pere Milla, a forward for Espanyol, who made a statement as provocative as it was controversial during his appearance on the comedy show ‘Perico Que Vola’, broadcast on Betevé.
In a relaxed atmosphere, filled with laughs and jokes, a question from the audience suddenly shifted the tone of the conversation: who would you rather step on in the derby, Joan García or Lamine Yamal? After thinking for a few seconds, Milla chose Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s young star, triggering laughter in the studio… and a storm outside it.
Far from putting out the fire, the show itself ironized about the potential headline. “Pere Milla wants to step on Lamine Yamal,” they joked. The player’s response was even more direct: “Pere Milla is going to step on Lamine Yamal.” A line that, despite being delivered in a humorous context, did not sit well at all within the Barça camp.
Humor, provocation, and a rivalry that never forgives
The context may have been comedy, but the Catalan derby allows no nuance. The historic rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona turns any statement into media ammunition—especially when it comes from one of the key figures of the white-and-blue side.
Lamine Yamal, it's a symbol of Barça’s present and future. Even mentioning his name, jokingly, was enough to set social media ablaze and raise the temperature of the buildup several degrees.
Within Espanyol, the comment is seen as a sign of competitive character. In Barcelona, it is viewed as an unnecessary provocation. The result: a Catalan classic even hotter than usual, with tension firmly in place before the opening whistle.
High-risk match and reinforced security
Authorities are well aware of the climate surrounding the match. The game has been classified as high risk, and Espanyol have announced extraordinary security measures to prevent incidents.
There will be thorough access controls, increased police presence, and the installation of protective nets behind both goals to prevent objects from being thrown. Joan García’s return to what was once his home at Cornellà-El Prat adds yet another layer to an already emotionally charged setting.
The club has also issued a statement calling for calm and good behavior from supporters, reminding fans that financial penalties could reach significant figures in the event of disturbances.
A derby played beyond the pitch
Beyond football, this Espanyol vs Barcelona clash is also being played on a psychological level. Pere Milla’s words have added pressure, narrative, and intrigue to a matchup that already divides the city.
While Hansi Flick’s Barcelona arrive as league leaders with Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo available, Manolo González’s Espanyol dream of consolidating a place in the European spots and making a statement against their eternal rival.
