On a night that will be forever etched in Catalan football history, Barcelona claimed a memorable Copa del Rey triumph with a dramatic 3-2 win over their fierce rivals, Real Madrid. The clash, a part of the legendary El Clásico rivalry, was a gripping contest that stretched into extra time, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the dying moments.
It was a match packed with relentless action, tension, and unforgettable drama, but it was Barcelona who ultimately seized victory in extraordinary fashion.
The hero of the moment was defender Jules Kounde, who delivered the decisive blow with a stunning strike in the 116th minute of extra time. His powerful shot sent the Catalan faithful into wild celebrations, sealing the prestigious cup for the Blaugrana. Yet, while Kounde’s goal earned the headlines, it was the unexpected performance of Eric García that left many talking.
According to reports from Spanish outlet El Nacional, Eric García emerged as the night’s surprise standout. Initially starting on the bench, García was thrust into the spotlight due to injuries and fatigue affecting key midfielders like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
Faced with mounting pressure from Real Madrid’s relentless attack, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick made a bold tactical choice by introducing García into the midfield—a decision that would prove to be a masterstroke.
Though naturally a defender, García adapted effortlessly to his unfamiliar role in the center of the pitch. Demonstrating remarkable composure, intelligent positioning, and crisp, accurate passes, he managed to steady the Barcelona midfield during some of the match’s most intense periods.
His versatility shone through as he fluidly alternated between center-back, midfield, and even full-back positions when required, showcasing his football intelligence and tactical awareness.
In the aftermath of the hard-fought victory, Hansi Flick made a surprising confession. The German coach revealed that during the January transfer window, he had considered offloading García to Girona, with negotiations reportedly nearing completion. However, the deal unexpectedly fell apart. Reflecting on the situation, Flick expressed his relief, admitting it would have been a grave mistake to let García leave.
“Tonight, he showed everyone his true worth,” Flick remarked. “At this level, you simply can’t afford to leave a player like him out of the starting eleven again. He proved us all wrong.”
Leave a Reply