Joan García celebrates Barça's latest news for the classic against RCD Espanyol

The first match that Barça will play in 2026 will be the classic against RCD Espanyol, an occasion that everyone always experiences as something more than three points. On January 3, Barcelona will dress up for a clash full of tension, pride, and historic rivalry. RCDE Stadium will be the stage for a match that, given the context, promises an electric atmosphere from the first minute.

The classic will also arrive at a point in the season when every detail carries weight. Barça want to start the year with a victory that will further strengthen their momentum, while RCD Espanyol will face the match with the boost of playing at home. In Cornellà, everyone expects a rough encounter, with a high tempo and moments of friction, as these matches usually dictate.

Joan García returns to Cornellà and Barça assume a hostile atmosphere

The build-up to the match is marked by Joan García's return to what used to be his home. The former RCD Espanyol goalkeeper, now Barça's keeper, will experience his first visit to RCDE Stadium after changing jerseys. For many Espanyol supporters, that decision is interpreted as a betrayal, and the stadium is ready for an extremely harsh reception.

Everyone expects an extremely hostile atmosphere against Joan García throughout the 90 minutes. The media spotlight will be on him, because every ball that he touches will trigger the stadium's noise. Security protocols have even been reinforced, since this is a high-risk match, with emotional tension at the heart of the story.

Pedri returns and Joan García gains oxygen before the classic with Espanyol

The goalkeeper knows that RCD Espanyol are going through one of the sweetest moments of their season, with confidence and energy, especially in their stadium. That's why he is enthusiastically celebrating a key last-minute development: Pedri is expected to be available for the classic.

The "8" missed Barça's last match due to physical discomfort. Flick said that he was not going to take the slightest risk, because the January schedule is a trap if comebacks are rushed. However, the problem was not serious, and the feeling is that Pedri will arrive in time to play in Cornellà, something that changes the outlook of the match.

The other positive news is that Koundé will also be ready for the classic if Flick considers it appropriate. The Frenchman left the match against Villarreal with a knock, which set off the alarm because of the fragility of the defensive line. Even so, his progress is good, and everything suggests that he will be able to make the squad list without major problems.