Joan Garcia of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Estadio Anoeta on January 18, 2026 in San Sebastian, Spain.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
The goalkeeper Joan Garcia is yet to suffer a defeat at the hands of Real Madrid while protecting the FC Barcelona goal. So far, he has played twice against the Merengues, first in the last season’s Spanish Super Cup final and then in the second El Clasico of the last La Liga campaign, and both times helped his Blaugrana side come out on top.
On Sunday, he will once again face Los Blancos, this time at the Spotify Camp Nou, and this is a match that he is particularly looking forward to. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, he was one of the several Barcelona players who talked to the media on Friday’s media day, and while talking to Barcelona Televisio, commented on several aspects of his team and the upcoming match.
The Spaniard assured that his team is looking forward to the match against Real Madrid:
“We’re in good shape and looking forward to Sunday.”
The goalkeeper also hinted that the Blaugranes were already looking ahead to the next match following the defeat to PSG:
“We wanted to win in Paris. It was a difficult match, but the good thing about playing every three days is that you can focus on the next game.”
While keen to win the El Clasico, he was also clear that this match would not really be decisive:
“The titles aren’t won in October. It’s a mistake to think we can settle things now. We respect our opponents and are eager to put in a great performance and win El Clásico at home.”
While recognizing Thibaut Courtois as one of the best goalkeepers, Garcia also highlighted that individual encounters would not decide the game:
“One of the best goalkeepers in the world… On Sunday, it’s Barça against Madrid, not Courtois against Joan or Mbappé against Lamine.”
The fearsome Real Madrid attacking line was not scaring Barcelona, according to the goalkeeper:
“They can hurt you in attack, but those are the matches we enjoy. We’re also clear about what we want to do and how we play.”
Garcia wanted his team to maintain the good form they showed at the start of the season:
“I’m happy with the team and the way we’re playing. The important thing is to maintain our level.”
The Spaniard was looking to challenge for all the titles once again this season:
“We have a team capable of winning everything. We’ve shown that we can compete against anyone, and our objective is to remain in contention in every competition until the end.”
“We have a squad capable of competing in all three competitions. That’s the objective: believe in ourselves, work hard and go for it.”
Lastly, he also saw Dominik Livakovic’s arrival as a positive development for Barcelona:
“He’s a guy who comes here to contribute.”
Joan Garcia is going to be crucial for FC Barcelona in this upcoming game against Real Madrid. Hopefully, he will be at his best level as he faces a fearsome attacking lineup, and would help his team get another win on Sunday.
September 12, 2026, Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, attends his press conference during the training day of FC Barcelona ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against Levante UD at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on September 12, 2026 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain.
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