Goalkeeper Joan García starred in the derby between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at RCDE Stadium, making decisive saves that kept his team afloat until late goals from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski. Barça solidified its LaLiga lead with a ninth straight win, overcoming an expansive Espanyol that was once again frustrated at home against its rival. García's performance justified his team switch, making him a hero for the Blaugrana and a villain for the Periquitos fans.
The Barcelona derby at RCDE Stadium was dominated from start to finish by Joan García, the FC Barcelona goalkeeper who denied key chances to Espanyol. With six standout saves, García held his team against a vigorous and expansive rival managed by Manalo González, who pressed relentlessly and relied on set pieces and quick transitions. Barça, under Hansi Flick, managed resources ahead of the Saudi Supercopa, protecting recently injured Pedri and Olmo, and using Raphinha as the third volante ahead of Fermín López.
In the first half, the Blaugrana attack was blunt, with only Lamine Yamal disrupting, and no shots on target against Dmitrović. At the 20th minute, Roberto slipped behind the center-backs, forcing a save from García. Later, he repelled a point-blank header from Pere Milla after a cross from Carlos Romero, astonishing González. Espanyol, buoyed by five prior wins fueling European dreams, created selective arrivals but met the keeper's composure.
At halftime, Flick subbed Marcus Rashford for Fermín, shifting Raphinha back to left wing and energizing Lamine Yamal, who drew a header from Jules Koundé. The match turned into a duel between Joan García and forward Roberto, with the goalkeeper prevailing three times. Then, Olmo, Pedri, and Lewandowski entered, and with four midfielders, Barça flowed: Fermín stirred, Olmo opened scoring with a subtle touch, and Lewandowski sealed the win in the final stretch.
García, born in Sallent and absent from Cornellà-El Prat for security, maintained emotional control in a hostile stadium, validating Barcelona's opportunism over Espanyol's desire.
