RCD Espanyol has found itself at the center of an unusual debate after claiming, "We keep fighting in this city against another soccer club for which everything is very easy. We have to show our perico pride." This well-intentioned statement by Xavier Andreu, however, has sparked irony on social media.
Many users point out that Espanyol doesn't play in Barcelona city, but in Cornellà-El Prat, which has led to a chorus of humorous corrections and memes highlighting the inconsistency.
On Twitter, there have been jokes such as, "But which city are they talking about? Barcelona, Cornellà, or El Prat?" Others go further: "They're not fighting for the city, but rather for their lost sports municipality near Barcelona."
Memes and sarcasm reign on X
The curious fact is how the digital environment has reacted. On X (formerly Twitter), some users have posted edits placing Espanyol on a map of imaginary locations: from "Central Barcelona" to "Metropolitan Cornellà." Among the most repeated comments is, "We fight for Paris... because our stadium is also 'over there nearby.'"
The situation has turned into a comedic phenomenon: some respond cleverly, "We fight for our city... the one with the most tickets sold, of course!" Others defend the club by highlighting its cosmopolitan character and its connection to the entire metropolitan area.
History as an emotional shield
Despite the controversy, the club has tried to position itself with foundational arguments. Espanyol recalls that its history began in mother Barcelona, but its identity has transcended that location.
As an institutional poster, not recent but resonant, states: "We are from Barcelona, from Cornellà, from El Prat... from anyone who dreams." It's an elegant way to explain that its essence can't be limited to exact geography.
This message adds emotion to its identity, reinforcing the idea that perico sentiment goes beyond a stadium. It belongs to the area, to the neighborhoods, and to a fanbase that doesn't recognize political boundaries.
A wrong message, an urgent correction
The confusion is not minor, especially due to the media impact these statements generate. When a club uses the term "city" without clarification, it suggests belonging to Barcelona, which provokes reactions as if there were a strategic slip.
At a time when Espanyol is seeking to project itself, these slights, even if digital, create an annoying distraction.
To avoid further mockery, the club could adjust future communications with precision. Referring to the metropolitan area or invoking its identity as a "century-old club from the metropolitan region of Barcelona."
This would prevent corrections, laughter, and gifs from going viral.
Marketing and geography lesson on social media
This episode shows that club marketing can no longer be generic. Social media are alert to every word, and a geographic slip becomes news in seconds. The difference between "Barcelona" and "Cornellà-El Prat" can spark a debate that goes beyond soccer.
Espanyol can win this emotional battle with humor and self-criticism. A campaign that gracefully acknowledges its real location can dismantle jokes and turn controversy into opportunity.