Barça beat Espanyol and shows that Hansi Flick is right:'We need one more'

FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol have starred in a thrilling Catalan classic, full of tension and with constant shifts in the run of play. From the start, everyone could sense an atmosphere of great rivalry, with both teams highly focused on not conceding any advantages. The intensity was high and every individual duel was contested as if it were a final.

The clash was already expected to be tight because of the good recent form of both teams. Espanyol arrived strengthened by their latest results and by the solidity they had shown at home, while Barça sought to confirm their competitive growth. The final 0-2 scoreline confirms that the previous feelings were not a coincidence.

The hosts carried the weight of the match for most of the game, imposing tempo and good judgment in their ball circulation. Manolo González's men excelled at many moments, shutting down many of the attacking mechanisms of Hansi Flick's team, which had to take on a much more reactive role. However, two flashes of brilliance from Dani Olmo and Lewandowski in the final minutes tipped the balance.

In that context, the figure of Joan García emerged strongly, and he ended up crowned as  the MVP of the match. The former Espanyol goalkeeper produced several highly commendable saves, with catlike reflexes and an excellent reading of second balls. His saves kept Barça afloat in the moments of greatest suffering.

Every dive by the goalkeeper had a direct impact on the scoreline and on the team's morale. On more than one occasion, the stadium held its breath before seeing how Joan stopped shots that seemed like certain goals. His performance made it possible to secure three points of enormous value in an especially demanding setting.

Espanyol prove Hansi Flick right: "We need one more"

Despite the victory, what the culé team showed connects directly with the words spoken by Hansi Flick beforehand. The coach stated clearly: "If we look at our defensive line I think we need one more, but it is not easy in this market. We will have to see, I think we will do something, but it must make sense".

The match reinforced that diagnosis because imbalances and limitations in the back line appeared again. In several stretches, Barça suffered greatly with 50-50 balls, crosses from wide areas, and transitions that were not stopped in time. The feeling of fragility was evident and only Joan García saved the team.

Only Joan García escape criticism

Tonight, against RCD Espanyol, Roberto exposed Gerard Martín, who right now is the undisputed starter alongside Cubarsí. The young defender felt the pressure of the classic and showed doubts in decisive actions. The doubts in that position inevitably reopen.

On top of that comes a medical and physical situation that is far from reassuring.  Christensen's injury continues to condition the rotations and forces other center-backs to be overused. In addition, the permanent question mark surrounding Araújo's condition adds uncertainty to the immediate sporting planning.

All of this shows that Hansi Flick was right when he called for a reinforcement for the defensive line. The team needs more authority, greater squad depth, and profiles that raise the competitive level in matches of maximum demand. The sporting management are aware that January is becoming a decisive window.

Barça need to strengthen their back line urgently if they want to keep their aspirations alive in all competitions. The draw in the classic serves as a warning and, at the same time, as confirmation of shortcomings already identified by the coaching staff themselves. Meanwhile, Espanyol come away strengthened mentally and in their conviction that they compete on equal terms with anyone.