The second El Clasico of the 2025/26 season comes around tomorrow as FC Barcelona face off against bitter rivals Real Madrid in the finals of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The Blaugran...
The second El Clasico of the 2025/26 season comes around tomorrow as FC Barcelona face off against bitter rivals Real Madrid in the finals of the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Blaugrana triumphed over the Spanish capital club in the final of the tournament last year with a handsome 5-2 scoreline. And Hansi Flick & co. will be aiming for a similar outcome this time around in Saudi Arabia.
For Barça to come out on top tomorrow, the performance of a certain Eric Garcia could be key. The 25-year-old star has become an integral player for Flick, be it in midfield or defence, and will have a major role to play in the Clasico final.
On the Super Cup and importance of winning it
On the eve of the blockbuster clash, Garcia spoke to the media at a press conference, discussing his feelings heading into the final.
“We’re really excited. Starting the year with a title would be fantastic, we saw that last year. The team is motivated,” said Eric, kicking things off.
Later on, the Spanish international went on to add how winning the Super Cup could be a turning point for the rest of the season, saying:
“We’re entering a very complicated January, with a lot of matches. Next week we have three competitions. This title gives us breathing room, more confidence. It’s important for all of us. We’re a very young team, and this would give us an extra boost.”
Revealing the message from Barcelona president Joan Laporta to the entire squad ahead of the final, Eric said: “He simply told us that we have to win.”
On last Clasico loss
Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid earlier this season in La Liga. As such, the versatile defender was asked if the team was gunning for revenge tomorrow, to which he replied:
“A Barça-Madrid match is always special. The league game was tough for us, it hurt. Tomorrow is an opportunity, especially with the chance to win a title.”
Eric Garcia motivated for Clasico final. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
On being asked what has changed for Barcelona since the last Clasico, he replied: “I always say that, even though we had a lot of players out, it wasn’t an excuse. We’ve improved as a team. The other day we played our best game of the season.
“We’ve been growing, recovering the identity that made us so strong last year. We’re in good form. The Espanyol game wasn’t great; Joan [Garcia] practically won it for us. But the other day’s game gives us confidence.”
Continuing, he added: “Losing the Clasico hurt because of how it happened. It’s a final, and you have the extra motivation of it being against Real Madrid.”
On his form, position
When asked to reveal if he would play in midfield or defence against Real Madrid, Eric said: “I have no idea where I’ll play, nor would I say. I feel good and comfortable. The manager values my ability to adapt to different positions.
“He asks different things of me. In midfield, I need to control the game, reduce the opponent’s counter-attacks… We’ll see where I play tomorrow.”
Given his form, there have been calls for Eric to be included in the Spain squad for the summer’s World Cup. The player, though, is not thinking too far ahead.
“On a personal level, I try to give my all. Going to the World Cup isn’t up to me. I’m focused on what I have to do. If it’s meant to be, it will be,” he stated.
When asked to name his preferred position, Garcia remarked: “By nature, I’ve always played centre-back. With Michel [at Girona], I played as a full-back and felt comfortable.
“Now, I’m also playing as a defensive midfielder. I think it’s the position where I have to work the most. I’d say centre-back or full-back.”
Crediting Flick for his growth over the past year, Garcia added: “Flick has given me confidence and playing time. My job was to show what I’m capable of. I’ve made the most of it. I’m in good form, but I can keep improving.”
Eric also had words about his Barcelona teammate Gerard Martin, who has excelled as a makeshift centre-back in recent weeks, saying:
“We’ve had times when we had four or five defenders in the squad. It’s important that we help each other on the pitch. My teammates make it easy.”
Lamine ready to go for Clasico finale. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Providing an update on Lamine Yamal, who did not start in the semifinal win vs Athletic Club, he added:
“Lamine is motivated for tomorrow. It’s a big game, one of his favourites.”
“He’s a game-changer. Tomorrow is a big match. Last year, especially in the Champions League, his quality was evident. It’s important that he’s fit and recovered,” he added.
On Real Madrid and Mbappe
Eric then touched upon Barcelona’s opponents, Real Madrid, and the availability of their star forward Kylian Mbappe, who missed the semifinal win against Atletico.
“We watched the semifinal; it was a close match. Real Madrid’s individual quality prevailed,” said Eric.
“Whether Mbappe is playing or not, we all know he’s a game-changer, one of the best in the world. If we focus on ourselves and do what we didn’t do in the Clásico, we’ll get a good result.”
On being further probed about Mbappe, the Spaniard replied: “It would be a mistake to focus on just one player. They have many high-level players. One individual player isn’t going to win us the match; it’s almost impossible.”
“Everyone at Real Madrid is very good. Whether he plays or not, it won’t change how we approach the game. If he’s available, all the better for everyone,” he added.
Finally, on being asked if he saw Barcelona as favourites to win tomorrow, Eric replied:
“We have confidence in ourselves. They won the last Clasico, and it hurt. It’s not about being favourites or not, but if we do things right, I think they’re a difficult team to beat.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Category: General Sports
