Although scheduling conflicts prior to the last two derbies between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol prevented both teams' coaches from attending the traditional pre-game photo, Luis Enrique Martínez and Constantin Galca finally found the time on Tuesday. The two managers met on the pitch at Cornella-El Prat Stadium, where on Wednesday Barça and Espanyol will square off in the return leg of the Copa del Rey last 16. FCB hold a 4–1 aggregate lead heading into tomorrow.
Wednesday will be the third derby between the two sides in an 11-day span. They played to a scoreless draw at Espanyol in La Liga on 2 January, while Barça won 4–1 at Camp Nou in the first leg of the Copa del Rey last 16 on 6 January.
With the heated intensity — to put it nicely — of those first two games behind them, the two coaches mutually expressed a desire to see a more relaxed atmosphere in derby number three.
"I'm going to meet with him because the opportunity has arisen, so we can exchange opinions, and if that helps prevent conflict and controversy, I am willing to participate," said Luis Enrique, before the meeting, at his morning press conference.
