Joán García’s performance during the triumph of Barça against Newcastle reopened the debate on his reception in the Spanish selection. Santi Cazarez, a former player in the selection, has clearly expressed his opinion in favour of the integration of García, which he considers one of the three best guards in Spain with Unai Simón and David Raya. Cazarez stresses the need for selection to work with these three guards to assess their current form and situation, while asserting that García has the potential to become a Spanish international. He insists that the goaltender does not deceive anyone and that his entry into the national team is just a matter of time.

In parallel, the Valencia CF, after a humiliating defeat in Barcelona and a first match in the Champions League against Arsenal, must return to the path of victory. The team faces numerous absences, including Beñat Prado, Unaï Gil, Nico Williams, Alex Padilla and Yeray Álvarez. Coach Carlos Corberán nevertheless has his full staff and should modify his game system to compensate for these absences, integrating Luis Rioja and offering offensive options with Dani Raba or Hugo Duro. Valencia’s likely composition for the match against the Barça includes Gayà, Foulquier, Tarréga, Diahaby, SantaMaría, Pepelu, Guerra, Diego López, Luis Rioja, Dani Rabao and Hugo Duro.

On the side of the athletic club, Ernesto Valverde should opt for rotations after the match against Arsenal, hoping to present a more competitive team in Mestalla. The likely composition of the Athletic includes Unai Simón, Ares, Vivian, Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchesi, Ruiz de Galareta, Jaureguiberry, Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Berenguer and Maorán Sané. The major uncertainty lies in the potential arrival of Aymeric Laporte and if it will be titularized, information that will be known only a few hours before the game.