Not Joan Garcia – Barcelona found surprise saviour off the bench in Espanyol clash | OneFootball

Barcelona’s 2–0 victory over Espanyol may have drawn plenty of attention towards Joan Garcia because of his personal history at the RCDE Stadium, but focusing solely on the goalkeeper would mean overlooking the player who truly changed the direction of the match. 

That player was Fermin Lopez.

With the derby drifting towards a frustrating goalless draw, Fermin emerged from the bench in the second half and transformed the game with intensity, personality, and decisive quality. 

Once again, he showed why he continues to be one of the most compelling options in Barcelona’s increasingly competitive midfield.

Fermin defines quality

The Barcelona midfielder went into the match fully aware that he would not be part of the starting XI. 

The attacking midfield role had been handed to Raphinha, a decision that did not sit comfortably with the young Spaniard. 

Still, instead of letting frustration take over, Fermin stayed focused, mentally preparing himself for the moment he would be called upon.

Fermin Lopez was key to Barcelona’s win over Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That opportunity arrived shortly after the break. With the score still 0–0, Fermin replaced Marcus Rashford, slotting straight into the attacking midfield position and pushing Raphinha out to the left wing. 

From his first involvement, he pressed relentlessly, drove the tempo forward, and showed no hesitation in standing his ground.

Numbers that speak volume

The defining moments came late in the game. As tension rose, Fermin took responsibility, producing two explosive forward runs that tore open Espanyol’s defensive structure. 

Those actions directly resulted in assists for Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, effectively sealing the derby for Barcelona.

Fermin now has six assists this season – four in La Liga and two in the UEFA Champions League. 

Those assists have been converted by Lewandowski (twice), Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Olmo, and Rashford. 

On top of that, he has also scored seven goals this season, further underlining his growing influence.