Barcelona’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday wasn’t just about the brilliance of Raphinha, Pedri, or Dani Olmo.
The real stars of the game were the defenders who were able to hold off the attacking threat of Atletico Madrid.
Two players, in particular, shone on the night in the form of Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin, who operated in makeshift roles as a pivot and centre-back, respectively, amid Ronald Araujo taking a break and Frenkie de Jong being absent.
First-class performances from Garcia
Both players had a brilliant game against Atletico Madrid. Garcia, in particular, was a vital cog in the Barcelona midfield.
Deployed in the double pivot alongside Pedri, the Spaniard was immense. The 24-year-old was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s pressing game. He completed 40 of 47 passes, facilitating the team’s build-up with precision.
His defensive contribution was equally vital. Garcia recorded two recoveries, won four of six ground duels, and made four clearances, proving to be an effective shield against Atletico’s counter-attacks.
Eric Garcia, Barcelona player
Eric Garcia produced an excellent shift in midfield vs Atletico. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Garcia’s efforts may soon be rewarded, with Barcelona expected to finalise the defender’s new contract by next week.
Martin continues to impress at centre-back
Meanwhile, Gerard Martin was another player who impressed on the night, starting alongside Pau Cubarsi at centre-back.
Tasked with containing Atletico’s dangerous forwards, the young defender produced a stellar shift. Despite an early yellow card, he remained composed, winning both of his aerial duels and making eight clearances.
His ability to play out from the back was crucial for Flick’s system, as he completed 59 passes with only six errors.
He even showcased his vision by creating a scoring opportunity with a pass into the final third. It was a third league game in a row in which the 23-year-old was deployed at centre-back, and he delivered for the team.
For Flick, the discovery of this kind of reliability in versatility is a massive boost, especially heading into a congested fixture list that will see Barcelona play four matches before the Christmas break.