Joan Garcia, Gerard Martin react after Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona – ‘We achieved our goal’ | OneFootball

Barcelona wrapped up their final game of 2025 with a hugely valuable victory away at Villarreal, and one name stood out above the rest on a demanding night at La Ceramica. 

Goalkeeper Joan Garcia delivered one of his most complete performances in a Barcelona shirt, producing a string of decisive saves to secure a clean sheet and keep the Blaugrana on top of the La Liga table.

Facing a Villarreal side that rarely gives anything away at home, Barcelona knew that control and concentration would be essential. 

Joan Garcia to the rescue

While the team managed the game well, it was Joan Garcia who repeatedly came to their rescue when the pressure mounted. 

After the final whistle, the goalkeeper stressed just how important the result was, not only for the table but also for the confidence of the squad heading into the new year.

“We knew it was very important to get the three points in the last game of the year. We did it, and we finished the first half of the season as leaders. 

“There is still a long way to go, but we had this goal, and we achieved it. When a team is down to ten men, it always makes things easier for you,” he explained.

About his saves

Despite being widely praised for his saves, Joan Garcia remained grounded when asked about his individual display. 

The keeper preferred to downplay his role and focus on consistency rather than highlights. 

“I try to save the ones that come my way. Some days I can do it, and other days I can’t. Today, luckily, we kept a clean sheet and I’m very happy.”

Joan Garcia put on an excellent show against Villarreal. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Looking back on his first months at the club, the goalkeeper made it clear that both he and the team are moving in the right direction. 

Assessing his spell at Barcelona so far, he described it as “very positive, both on a personal and collective level.”

He added that “after the defeat against Chelsea, we have improved a lot, we have won everything and that is the path to follow.”

Gerard Martin’s analysis

The positive mood was shared by defender Gerard Martin, who once again started at left centre-back. 

He highlighted the progress made by the squad over recent weeks, stating that “it has been an excellent year both individually and collectively.”

Expanding on Barcelona’s growth, he noted, “We have grown a lot since the start of the season. We have improved in many areas and it is showing in recent games. 

“Villarreal is a difficult team and a difficult place to play. We knew they hadn’t lost and it was important to win to stay at the top of the table. 

“It looks like an easy game, but it was complicated.”

Looking ahead to 2026, his ambition was clear, calling for “winning the Champions League and winning everything.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo