Barca, Espanyol seek to calm waters
Print Edition
Barcelona and Espanyol have fought out a couple of brutal derbies in recent weeks and the bitter city rivals are seeking to calm the waters ahead of tomorrow’s Copa del Rey last-16 second leg.
Espanyol held visiting Barcelona to a 0-0 draw in La Liga on January 2 before the Copa holder triumphed 4-1 in last week’s first leg at the Nou Camp.
Both games were littered with fouls and yellow cards, Espanyol had two players sent off in the Copa clash, with Barcelona forward Luis Suarez banned for two matches following a fracas in the tunnel after the final whistle.
The rivalry between the clubs has sharpened over Catalonia’s continuing campaign for independence from Spain, with Barcelona seen as a symbol of the region’s separatist ambitions and Espanyol fiercely loyal to the central government in Madrid.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique and counterpart Constantin Galca of Espanyol will meet and hold a photo session today in an attempt to ease tensions.
“I want football to be the only protagonist as that is what the spectator deserves,” Luis Enrique told a news conference after Saturday’s 4-0 La Liga win at home to Granada.
“I am open to speaking to Galca to try to lighten the mood if necessary,” added the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder.
Espanyol president Joan Collet urged fans not to get carried away, warning them that the club faced sanctions if insults were heard during the game.
“We are clear in our minds that the tie is very tough for us but we have to ease the tension,” Collet said.
Espanyol has been reported to Spain’s anti-violence commission by the Spanish league for alleged racist abuse aimed at Brazilian star Neymar during the sides’ 0-0 draw.
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