‘Playing Against His Old Fans…’: Hansi Flick Lauds Goalie Who Crossed Catalan Divide After Derby Win

Last Updated:January 04, 2026, 10:47 IST

Barca keeper Joan Garcia, who moved to the Blaugrana from Espanyol, produced a stand-out showing and Flick heaped praise on the shot-stopper.

Barcelona’s goalkeeper Joan Garcia warms up prior to the Spanish La Liga soccer match between RCD Espanyol and Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

La Liga champions Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the Spanish league table with their 2-0 win over cross-town rivals Espanyol on Saturday as Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski found the back of the net to give Hansi Flick and Co. the win.

Barca keeper Joan Garcia, who moved to the Blaugrana from Espanyol, produced a stand-out showing in goal, much to the dismay of the Los Periquitos. Flick heaped praise on the shot-stopper, who stood tall between the sticks to hold on to his clean sheet.

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“We didn’t deserve it, I’ll be honest, but in the end the quality we brought on the pitch after the changes decided the game,” said Flick.

“First of all I have to say thank you to Joan Garcia because he played unbelievably. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” the German boss added.

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Olmo broke the deadlock in the 84th minute of the game against Barcelona’s city rivals before Lewandowski put the result beyond any doubt in the 90th minute to clinch a 2-0 win.

“I don’t celebrate the first 80 minutes, how we played,” admitted Flick.

“Joan is incredible, a great goalkeeper. Playing against his old fans, he had a great game and got a clean sheet,” Olmo said following the conclusion of the game.

“He will give us a lot — he’s giving us that and he will give us so much more too, I’m sure,” he added.

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