El Clásico is not a simple match. It is a meeting that can decide who will lift the LaLiga trophy. Between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid there were four points, but Flick's team have won and now they already smell the title close.
Hansi Flick has closed the season in the best way. The Champions League couldn't be, but the German will win his first LaLiga. The preparation for El Clásico hasn't been easy, but the German has thought about his moves regarding the available men.
The whole equation has revolved around Eric García. The Catalan has known how to wait and take advantage of the different opportunities he has been having. Without a fixed position, the youth player has played as a center-back, pivot, and right-back.
Eric García takes advantage of the opportunity
Little by little, Eric García is gaining prominence in this Barça led by Hansi Flick. Through suspensions, injuries, and rotations, the former City player has managed to make a place for himself.
In fact, against Inter Milan in the Champions League, he was the first to put the team in "comeback mode." He scored the 2-1 on the scoreboard, which served the Catalans so much emotionally, although with an unfavorable final result.
In this case, and for El Clásico, Hansi Flick has thought of Eric García as a key footballer. The absence of the injured Jules Koundé has meant an opportunity for the native of Martorell. Added to Ronald Araújo's poor form, Eric had the mission to shut down Vinícius, and he succeeded.
Again? Yes, again
It hasn't been the first time of the duel between Eric García and Vinícius Júnior. We all remember the clash they had in the 2021-2022 season that went viral. "You next year, Ballon d'Or," the Barça's '24' reproached the Real Madrid's '7'.
That same season, moreover, Rodri was the winner of the Ballon d'Or and not Vinícius Júnior. Given such an event, the meme went viral again, and now soccer will take another turn as it usually does.
However it was, the ball has once again faced the Brazilian and the Spaniard in a key duel. Eric García has won the battle against Vinícius and, to top it off, has scored the first goal for the Catalans.
Although he still has teammates with a better level, Eric García is knowing how to adapt. In fact, he recently celebrated 100 matches wearing the blaugrana jersey. The Catalan is having his best season as a culé.