Barcelona Secures Victory with Stellar Goalkeeping from Joan García

omidbasir- BARCELONA — Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick expressed his gratitude towards goalkeeper Joan García for an exceptional performance during the team’s 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday.

García, aged 24, became the first player in over 30 years to transfer from Espanyol to city rivals FC Barcelona, joining the Blaugrana last summer in a deal valued at €25 million ($29 million).

This match marked García’s first encounter with his former club, where he faced relentless hostility from the home supporters, who jeered him throughout the game and displayed banknotes featuring his likeness.

In spite of the challenging atmosphere, García delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a season-high six saves, including a remarkable stop on a header from Pere Milla. Late goals from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski secured the victory for Barcelona.

“I must extend my gratitude to Joan García for his unbelievable performance,” Flick stated in the post-match press conference. “He is among the best goalkeepers in the world.”

Prior to joining Barça, García made 68 appearances for Espanyol. Flick emphasized that the negative treatment García received would not overshadow his positive memories of the club, where he began his career at the age of 15 in 2016.

“He performed fantastically despite the whistles,” Flick added. “He appreciates his time at Espanyol and will always remember the support he received from [Espanyol coach] Manolo [González].

“It’s crucial to have a top goalkeeper. Today’s match exemplifies this importance. Just as Real Madrid has a remarkable goalkeeper, so do we. I am delighted that he is with us and that we made the decision to sign him last summer.”

García’s remarkable display allowed Barcelona to secure the win late in the game with two goals in the final five minutes, both crafted by substitute Fermín López. Olmo netted a brilliant goal in the 86th minute, followed by a strike from Lewandowski in the 90th minute to finalize the score.

Flick acknowledged the impact of his substitutions while expressing some reservations about the overall team performance. “I am pleased with the three points,” he remarked. “However, we need to improve in several areas. Espanyol played exceptionally well today, and the atmosphere was electric. We were fortunate to come away with the win.

“Espanyol exhibited great intensity and aerial prowess, and we endured significant pressure. Ultimately, our late goals reflect the quality we possess, but I do not take satisfaction from the first 80 minutes of our play. This victory is significant as it sends a message to LaLiga.”

This win extended Barcelona’s LaLiga winning streak to nine games, placing them seven points ahead of Real Madrid, who are set to face Real Betis on Sunday. Meanwhile, Espanyol’s five-game winning streak came to a halt, yet they remain fifth in the standings, still in contention for a European spot next season.