"Our best signing without a doubt", "Worth every penny" - Fans hail Barcelona star after 2-0 win against 10-man Villarreal

Barcelona fans have waxed lyrical about Joan Garcia for his performance during their LaLiga clash against Villarreal. The shotstopper delivered an outstanding display in goal as Barcelona ran out 2-0 winners over 10-man Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday.

Eager to restore their four-point lead at the top of the table after Real Madrid reduced it to two points with a 2-0 win over Sevilla on Saturday, Hansi Flick’s side started the game strongly. Despite their strong start, it was the Yellow Submarine who came closest to scoring in the early exchanges, thanks to mistakes from Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi.

The strong start paid off shortly after when Santi Comesaña upended Raphinha for a penalty. The Brazilian winger assumed responsibility and made no mistake, sending Luiz Junior the wrong way.

Having taken a slender lead into the break, the Catalans started the second half much brighter. However, they left themselves short at the back on many occasions as Villarreal repeatedly caught them on the counterattack, but Garcia stood tall in goal. Barely after the hour mark, Lamine Yamal doubled Barcelona’s lead following a goalmouth scramble.

Villarreal had two penalty appeals waved away, while Garcia went on to deny Sergi Cardona from close range. Altogether, Garcia made five saves, four of which were inside the box. He was also Barca’s second-highest-rated player after Yamal, with a match rating of 8.5, according to Sofascore. After the match, fans took to X to heap praise on him, with one writing:

“Our best signing without a doubt. The best goalkeeper in the world.”

Another tweeted:

“Worth every penny.”

A third added:

“Best move we've made in a while.”

A fan raved:

“Best thing that could have happened that summer.” “What a goated transfer,” another chimed in.

“We need to be better organized” – Frenkie de Jong sends message to Barcelona after Villarreal win

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was delighted with his side’s victory over Villarreal but admitted that there is still room for improvement. The Dutchman noted that they appear vulnerable when opponents break quickly, something he believes they need to work on.

He told reporters:

“Very happy. We finished the year as leaders, which was the goal. Now it’s time to rest. Villarreal breaks quickly, they have fast and talented players up front. We need to manage that a bit better. When we attack, we need to be better organized. On the pitch, I always felt we were superior. I wouldn’t say comfortable, but I think it’s a deserved victory.”

The league champions will not be in action again until next year. They will kick off 2026 with a derby match away from home against Espanyol on January 3.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide