Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia endured a hostile homecoming at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday but responded in the best possible way with a career-defining performance to help Barca secure a dramatic 2-0 derby win over Espanyol.
Garcia’s return to his former club was always going to be emotionally charged. After swapping Espanyol for their city rivals last summer in a €25m move, the 24-year-old became the first player in over three decades to cross that particular gap. From the moment he came out for warm-ups, the reception was merciless. Hoots, boos and jeers followed every touch as Espanyol supporters unfurled ratty posters in Barcelona colors and threw fake banknotes with his face on them. Espanyol fans had fake notes saying “Judas Garcia”.
Espanyol took precautions before the game, installing nets behind the goals and urging fans to behave, and although the atmosphere was hostile, it remained largely contained. On the field, however, it was Garcia who stole the spotlight. Despite Espanyol dominating large stretches of the contest and outshooting the visitors, the former academy graduate refused to back down. Joan Garcia faced the full wrath of his former fans.
In the 20th minute, Garcia even pushed his own defender Gerard Martin out of the way to make a crucial save. Just before half-time, he pulled off a stunning pinpoint save from Pere Millo’s header, a moment that summed up his defiance on a night when Espanyol repeatedly knocked on the door.
The pressure continued after the break, but Garcia stood firm and finished the game with a season-high six saves. His resilience allowed Barcelona to stay alive long enough to strike late. The substitutes changed the game, Fermin Lopez scored both goals. Dani Olmo broke the deadlock with a commanding finish in the 86th minute before Robert Lewandowski sealed the points four minutes later.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was effusive in his praise afterwards. “I have to thank Joan Garcia because he played unbelievable,” Flick said, calling him one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Flick admitted that Barca were not at their best overall, but acknowledged that Garcia’s performance laid the foundation for an unlikely victory.
The defeat was painful for Espanyol fans. For Garcia, it was a personal vindication. On a night that should have unsettled him, the goalkeeper put in a performance that may resonate far beyond this derby, firmly establishing himself as a key figure for the LaLiga leaders.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 4, 2026
