How Barcelona and Espanyol avoided any hostility towards Joan Garcia through special security measures

Barcelona started 2026 in the best way possible, securing a 2-0 win in a heated Catalan derby against Espanyol.

Joan Garcia, being the best performer of the match, was understandably the focus of all attention at the RCDE Stadium.

The goalkeeper faced a barrage of whistles, insults, and banners throughout the match. In a pointed display of resentment, fans even threw stuffed rats dressed in Blaugrana colours, specifically targeting the 13th minute to mock his jersey number

Despite the vitriol, the Sallent native remained unflappable, making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. He now has seven clean sheets in La Liga, just one less than Thibaut Courtois, despite playing fewer matches.

Extreme security protocol for Joan Garcia

Aware of the specific threats made on social media leading up to the game, both clubs and local authorities treated this as a “high-risk” fixture, as revealed by Diario SPORT.

Joan Garcia produced a stellar display against his former club. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Espanyol, fearing a potential stadium closure, installed protective nets behind both goals to prevent objects from striking players, though plastic bottles did rain down after Barça’s second goal.

The security strategy extended well beyond the pitch. A massive police deployment surrounded the stadium, and the arrival of the team buses was carefully choreographed.

While Espanyol was greeted by flares and fans, the Barcelona bus was routed through a completely opposite, secured entrance to ensure no contact with the home ultras.

Furthermore, Barcelona’s private security detail was on high alert. During the warm-ups, guards kept a close watch on Garcia to ensure his safety before the whistle blew.

While the atmosphere was suffocating, the preventive measures ultimately ensured that sanity reigned and no serious physical incidents occurred.