Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has lavished praise on goalkeeper Joan Garcia after his stunning display against Espanyol. La Blaugrana started 2026 on a winning note as they secured a 2-0 win over their local rivals, extending their lead atop LaLiga.
Hansi Flick hails Joan Garcia
Flick interacted with the reporters after the match at Espanyol's RCDE Stadium, a place Garcia used to call home, on Saturday evening. He thanked the Spanish for his performance against his former side, admitting that his team did not deserve the three points were it not for the shot-stopper.
“We didn’t deserve it, I will be honest. I have to say thank you to Joan García because he played unbelievable. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world", he said (via @BarcaTimes on X).
Joan Garcia's controversial move to Barcelona
Joan Garcia made a shocking move to Barcelona in the summer after his release clause of €25 million was activated. His transfer attracted lots of scrutiny and hate from Espanyol fans, and they made this clear before and during the match on Saturday, his first back at their stadium. His move marked the first transfer to Barcelona from Espanyol in 31 years.
Joan Garcia's extraordinary outing against Espanyol
Garcia did not let any of the abuse he received get to him as he put on a Man of the Match performance between the sticks to earn his team a clean sheet. He made six saves and prevented Espanyol from scoring despite facing an xGOT of 1.73 in the game.
Hansi Flick's trust in Joan Garcia
Hansi Flick has been rigid with Garcia as his first-choice goalkeeper for Barcelona this season despite the presence of the experienced duo of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczesny. The 24-year-old has not disappointed, keeping seven clean sheets in 13 league games for Barca.
Barcelona strike late against Espanyol in Catalan derby
Barcelona overcame arch rivals Espanyol in their Catalan derby at the RECDE Stadium on Saturday, securing three points to kick start 2026. The reigning LaLiga champions were too tough for their opponents as they left it late to clinch a 2-0 win away from home.
Both Catalan clubs gave a tough fight to each other for a major part of the first game of the year, with Barcelona having Joan Garcia to thank for maintaining intensity.
Barcelona's effective substitutions
Their substitutes made a big difference for them in the game, with the likes of Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski coming off the bench to contribute decisively.
Olmo scored the first goal in the 86th minute after a pass from Lopez, as he marked his comeback from a long injury layoff with a goal. Fellow substitute Lewandowski was set up for a close range finish by Lopez four minutes later to secure all the three points for his team.