This Sunday, Barça can be proclaimed champion of the League in the field of Espanyol, its great city rival, in a derby that has been held for more than 120 years. Many culés have May 14 marked on the calendar, not only because Xavi’s team can win the title again after four long seasons, but because it could certify the parakeet team’s relegation to Second. Something that is longed for as a response to the deep rejection that blue and white fans profess against Barça, whose defeats are sometimes celebrated more than their own victories.
The famous draw of the tamudazo, with two goals by Raúl Tamudo at the Camp Nou on the penultimate day of the 2006-07 League, is remembered among Spanish fans as if it were a cup to appear in the club’s museum. But leaving old enmities aside, one would have to wonder if it is really beneficial for Barça to remain the only representative of the First Division in a city that, including its metropolitan area, has a population of five million.
Compared with Madrid, which has four clubs if Getafe is maintained, Barcelona would be very relegated. Not to mention London, with up to seven representatives in the competitive Premier. And if we cross the pond, we would find ourselves, beyond the furious Boca-River rivalry, with a total of six squads from Buenos Aires in the Argentine championship, or with the big four from Rio de Janeiro (Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo), sharing the sumptuous Maracana 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 Division clubs, including Espanyol, which, yes, should draw up a management project based on retaining talent. that promotes his quarry, plus the controlled spending of a couple or three signings that truly made a difference.
Due to their history, with a loyal social base and a five-star stadium, the parrots must abandon the role of an elevator team that they have become since the purchase of Chinese businessman Chen Yansheng. Milan is the only city with two Champions League champion teams, Milan and Inter, who will meet in the semifinals of the European Cup on Wednesday. Both societies have historically fed back, as well as sharing the enjoyment of a communal stadium, San Siro. Why not, instead of hoping for the defeat of the neighboring rival, celebrate their growth in order to magnify the rivalry, so that the derbies in Barcelona become great duels again? At least on Sunday there will be no regrettable insults against Shakira.
