Garcia ´one of the best goalkeepers in the world´, says Flick

Hansi Flick hailed Joan Garcia as “one of the best goalkeepers in the world” after his impressive performance helped Barcelona beat Espanyol.

Barcelona ran out 2-0 winners over Garcia’s former side, with Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski both scoring late goals to secure the three points in the derby.

But Garcia played a big part in securing the victory as he became the first Barca goalkeeper to make six saves without conceding in a Spanish top-flight game since Marc-Andre ter Stegen against Real Sociedad in November 2023.

Garcia faced a hostile reception on his return to the RCDE Stadium, and Flick was particularly impressed with the composure that the 24-year-old showed.

“The first thing I have to do is thank Joan Garcia,” Flick said. “He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“We suffered, but we took the three points, and that is the message we send to LaLiga.

“I think he will not forget what he lived here, because he played for Espanyol, and they gave him his opportunity. Now he plays for us, and he was one of the reasons for the win.

“I saw him calm, as always. Focused, convinced. The great teams have the best goalkeepers, and he is one of them.”

Barca have scored in each of their last 39 LaLiga games (105 goals), the best current streak of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.

And they are now seven points clear at the top of LaLiga ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Real Betis on Sunday.

But Flick’s side were made to work hard for the win, with Espanyol having 14 shots to Barca’s 15, while the hosts had one more effort on target than them (seven to six).

“We have to change a few things, but I’m very happy with the three points,” Flick added.

“We have to take into account that Espanyol played a very good game. We did not deserve to win, but in the end, the quality we put on the pitch, after the changes, deserved the game.”