Garcia's Homecoming Challenge: Barcelona's Keeper Ready to Face Espanyol
11 November 2025
Facing His Former Club: Garcia’s Mindset
Spanish goalkeeper Juan Garcia, Barcelona’s shot-stopper, explained how he plans to approach the derby with his former club for the first time since moving to Barça.
He remains in recovery from an injury and is close to returning to action after the current international break.
The match is set for Saturday, January 3, at Espanyol’s home ground, turning the clash into a poignant homecoming for the goalkeeper.
Garcia moved to Barcelona last summer after triggering Espanyol’s release clause, believed to be around 25 million euros.
Since the swap, Espanyol fans have directed their ire toward him, reflecting lingering tensions with Barcelona.
In quotes carried by Mundo Deportivo, Garcia said: "It will be different. I’ll wear a different shirt, but I know what awaits me, and I’ll go out there to give my best and win." He added that kissing the Espanyol crest after the team’s safety felt genuine: "I did that because that’s how I felt at the time; I spent many years at Espanyol, suffered and enjoyed it."
He recalled last season’s challenges in avoiding relegation, noting: "The year was very complicated; we couldn’t escape the bottom until the final round, but we ultimately did." He added: "I have a strong affection for the club; my feelings for Espanyol align with moving forward for my career."
Regarding Barcelona’s title ambitions, he said: "We know the league title race will be tough this season, but we aim to win every game and not look beyond that." He concluded: "After some results didn’t go as hoped, we plan to change things, talk a lot, and focus on what we can improve, but I see the team highly focused."
Barcelona’s most recent game before the international break ended in a 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo at Balaidos, in La Liga round 12.
Barça and the Spanish Federation in the Yamal Spotlight
The club responded to a statement by the Spanish FA concerning young winger Lamine Yamal, who was left out of Spain’s squad during the November break. Spain is preparing for two qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey on 15 and 18 November for Euro 2026 qualifying.
The federation expressed notable displeasure at how it learned about Yamal’s treatment, noting he underwent radiofrequency therapy for adductor pain on the morning of the official national team gathering, with details only seen in a report at 22:40.
Barça reportedly acted in coordination with the player to ensure safe recovery, and the club consulted Belgian physician Ernst Schilders, a renowned international expert in adductor injuries, who visited Yamal at Barça facilities to assess progress and confirm rehabilitation is on track, despite inherent risks.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the medical team informed the federation immediately and continues to monitor the situation closely. The medical staff emphasized the importance of early detection and a controlled rehabilitation plan to ensure a safe return to the pitch.
Barça breathes a sigh of relief following positive updates from the Belgian expert, who praised Yamal’s physical condition and the rehabilitation program, while stressing strict adherence to medical and coaching instructions to avoid setbacks.
In summary, Barça’s medical team and the player’s representatives insist on a cautious, well-monitored recovery, with ongoing testing and adjustments as needed.
Punchline 1: If Garcia’s return is a movie, the plot twist is him wearing a different shirt and still stealing the show. Punchline 2: When in doubt, bring in radiofrequency—because medicine loves a good remix of rest, rehab, and a catchy beat.
