Returning to his former home ground, Joan García was immediately branded a “traitor.” From the stands came a storm of boos, with fans holding up pictures of rats and mock banknotes. The atmosphere was toxic, clearly aimed at breaking him mentally. But Barcelona’s goalkeeper chose not to respond with words — he answered with a superhuman performance between the posts.
Having ended a 15-year association with Espanyol last June to join Barcelona, García’s move was never forgiven by Espanyol supporters. That resentment was on full display in Sunday’s match. Yet on the field, García poured cold water on all that anger. Although the scoresheet of Barcelona’s 2–0 away win featured Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, the true hero of the night was the 24-year-old goalkeeper standing under the crossbar.
Until the 85th minute, García single-handedly kept Barcelona alive in the game. Espanyol registered 13 shots in total, 8 of them on target, but García stood like an impenetrable wall. Not a single effort found its way past him.
On the foundation he built, Hansi Flick’s side struck twice in the final five minutes to secure all three points, with goals from Dani Olmo and Lewandowski.
After the match, Barça coach Flick openly acknowledged García’s contribution.
“First of all, we have to thank Joan García,” Flick said. “Yes, we suffered, but he delivered a world-class performance. Espanyol made him the player he is, and today he won the match for us. This showed just how mentally strong he is.”
Unsurprisingly, the Man of the Match award went to García. With this victory, Barcelona further strengthened their position in the La Liga title race. At the halfway stage of the season, they have collected 49 points from 19 matches. Real Madrid, having played one game fewer, sit second, seven points behind.
The jeers from his former club’s supporters may have echoed in García’s ears — but when all was said and done, it was he who wore the smile of a winner.