Joan García shows he can be Barcelona’s difference maker in the Champions League

Joan García, however, continues to be the Blaugrana’s quiet hero in the early going of the season.

Keep in mind, this was the shot-stoppers first Champions League game of his career. St James’ Park is not just any atmosphere to make such a debut in.

This was a test, and he passed it with flying colors.

It’s not just about the saves his made. It’s about the energy he gives off to his teammates.

Keeping calm, and even surviving the early going, was always going to be task number. The Geordies had the stadium rocking. But Joan García was unfazed, even while some of his comrades looked nervy.

From point blank range, once again, he stood tall and denied Harvey Barnes. Anthony Elanga and company were getting behind Barcelona’s backline with ease, but García was ready for the moment, and bought time for his teammates to build their way into the game.

By the end of the first half, the Blaugrana were in control. To start the second half, Newcastle came out with fire again, but couldn’t find their way past Barcelona’s superman between the sticks.

Finally, Marcus Rashford caught fire, and it was enough for Barca to claim an essential victory on the road in their first Champions League match of the season. It’s a tough fixture list ahead, so this one will be important to build momentum going forward.

Barcelona will need a difference maker if they are going to make another deep run.

They of course have Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri, but I’m placing a bet now that Joan García will be the x-factor. Barcelona need a Thibaut Courtois or a Gianluigi Donnarumma who enable the attacking maestros to take risks. Joan García gives them this much needed insurance policy.

Aside from his ability to make improbable saves, he is also surprising with his effective distribution. Although he is comfortable with his feet, it’s amazing to see how good he is at springing an attack with his hands.

He’s also been very strong at controlling the box through the air on set pieces. Newcastle has some big bodies, who made the Barcelona boys look small. But Joan García showed his courage and physicality in dealing with every threat thrown his way.

Now, that late goal by Newcastle asks, yet again, and obvious question.

Should Barcelona really be allowing teams to get behind their backline when they are nursing a lead in the final five minutes of the game?

No matter how good your goalkeeper is, you’re are playing with fire, because in the Champions League, it’s not over until it’s over. Hopefully, an early reminder for Hansi Flick to think through this scenario for the future.

For now, he knows he has a sensational top class goalkeeper in the making, and that should make him feel very optimistic about his team’s chances.

It’ll be up to the goal scorers next to do their job, and take some of the pressure off of Joan García and the defensive line.

Against Newcastle, it was mission accomplished. No Lamine Yamal, no problem. We have Marcus Rashford to thank for that. But let’s not forget about Joan García as well.

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