This Sunday, Barça can be proclaimed League champions at the home of Espanyol, their great city rival, in a derby that has been held for more than 120 years. Many culers have May 14 marked on their calendars, not only because Xavi’s team can win the title again after four long seasons, but because it could certify the relegation to Segona of the Perico team. Something that is longed for as a response to the deep rejection that white-and-blue fans profess against Barça, whose defeats are sometimes celebrated more than their own victories.
The famous tamudazo draw, with two goals from Raúl Tamudo at the Camp Nou on the penultimate day of the 2006-2007 League, is remembered among Spanish fans as if it were a cup to be in the club’s museum. But leaving aside old enmities, one should ask whether it is really beneficial for Barça to remain as the only representative of the First Division in a city that, counting its metropolitan area, reaches five million inhabitants.
Compared to Madrid, which has four clubs if Getafe stays, Ciutat Comtal would be very relegated. Not to mention London, with up to seven representatives in the Premier competition. And if we cross the Atlantic, we would find, beyond the raging Boca-River rivalry, a total of six squads from Buenos Aires in the Argentine championship, or the big four from Rio de Janeiro (Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo ), sharing the sumptuous Maracanã stadium. With all these examples it is clear that, despite the greatness and significance of Barça, there should be more space in Barcelona for more First League clubs, including an Espanyol that, of course, should draw a management project based to retain the talent that promotes their squad, plus the controlled spending of a couple or three signings that would truly make a difference.
By track record, with a loyal social mass and a five-star stadium, the parrots have to abandon the role of an elevator team in which it has become since the purchase of the Chinese businessman Chen Yansheng. Milan is the only city with two Champions League teams, Milan and Inter, who will face each other in the semi-finals of the European Cup on Wednesday. The two societies have fed each other historically, in addition to sharing the enjoyment of a communal stadium, the San Siro. Why not, instead of wishing for the defeat of the neighboring opponent, celebrate its growth to be able to magnify the rivalry, so that the derbies in Barcelona become great duels again? At least on Sunday there won’t be the unfortunate insults against Shakira.
