Espanyol-Barça and the lessons in behavior

Saturday's derby is on, and it's been years since it promised so much: Espanyol are on a winning streak and have Champions League qualification within reach. Barça arrive as league leaders and have also won their last five matches. The Espanyol fans' confidence is sky-high, and there's a palpable sense of hope that if they ever had the footballing ability to beat Barça in La Liga at Cornellà-El Prat for the first time, that day has finally arrived.

So, the derby, which in itself already narrows the gap between the two teams, is closer than ever. And on top of that, there's the return of goalkeeper Joan Garcia in front of his former fans. A high-stakes match, nets behind the goalposts, and scores to settle.

Espanyol's coach, Manolo González, went straight to the point: "Lessons in behavior? No. Remember when Luis Figo went to the Camp Nou? I don't think [Barcelona fans] are in any position to lecture anyone."

The reality is different: all clubs are capable of receiving lessons in behavior. Unsportsmanlike conduct has happened everywhere, like at the Camp Nou on the night of Figo's visit. Or, closer to home, like at Cornellà-El Prat when a section of the home fans invaded the pitch, threatening to attack the Barça players who were celebrating their La Liga title win.

Football quickly ignites even the most rational people. Let's be careful not to tarnish such a promising derby as this one. Ultimately, many Espanyol fans admit they fully understand the economic and sporting reasons presented to Joan Garcia for signing with Barça.