On an unforgettable, historic Catalan night, Barcelona lifted the Copa del Rey after a thrilling 3-2 victory over their arch-rivals Real Madrid — a match that stretched into extra time, packed with drama and suspense until the very last seconds.
Held as part of the highly anticipated El Clásico, the final saw Barcelona prevail in stunning fashion. Defender Jules Koundé was the hero, firing home a thunderous strike in the 116th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the Catalan faithful.
However, behind this epic victory, an unexpected star emerged: Eric García, according to information from the Spanish outlet El Nacional. Coming on as a substitute, García delivered a masterclass performance in midfield, becoming the surprise hero of the night.
From Substitute to Tactical Savior
With Frenkie de Jong and Pedri unavailable due to injury and fatigue, coach Hansi Flick faced a major midfield dilemma against a relentless Real Madrid. His bold decision to bring on Eric García — traditionally a defender — turned out to be a tactical masterstroke.
Displaying remarkable composure, intelligent positioning, and precise distribution, García not only held the midfield together but also adapted seamlessly across multiple roles: center-back, midfielder, and even full-back when needed. His versatility and leadership under pressure helped Barcelona regain control and ultimately secure the trophy.
Flick’s Big Admission: “I Almost Made an Unforgivable Mistake”
After the match, Hansi Flick made a striking revelation about the January transfer window:
“I was very close to letting Eric leave for Girona… but the talks suddenly fell through, and today I’m extremely glad they did.”
Flick went on to heap praise on García’s performance:
“At this legendary level, it’s impossible to leave him out of the starting lineup again. He has proven his quality to everyone and shown us just how wrong we were to underestimate him.”
Eric García’s redemption story added an extra layer of magic to an already historic night for Barcelona — a night that fans and players alike will cherish for years to come.
