Unai Simón vs Joan García: Goalkeeping duel in Saudi sets up World Cup subplot
Athletic's established Spain No.1 faces Barcelona's rising star in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, with international implications beyond the silverware at stake.
The Spanish Super Cup’s first semi-final in Saudi Arabia pits two keepers at different stages of their international careers, with one firmly established as Spain’s number one and the other making a case for future consideration.
Battle of the gloves in Jeddah
When Athletic Club and Barcelona square off this Wednesday in Jeddah, all eyes will be on the men between the sticks. Unai Simón, Spain’s established first-choice keeper, has been Mr. Reliable for Athletic this season, playing every match except their Copa del Rey fixture against Ourense. Meanwhile, Joan García, Barcelona’s shot-stopper who’s currently outside the national team setup, has bounced back impressively from meniscus surgery that sidelined him earlier in the campaign.
Both keepers enter the Super Cup clash after contrasting weekend performances:
- Simón conceded from Rubén García’s long-range free-kick in Athletic’s match - with manager Valverde partly blaming the ball’s unusual movement
- Joan García was Barcelona’s hero against Espanyol, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game before they eventually scored late winners
Experience vs rising talent
At 28, Unai Simón is in his eighth season with Athletic’s first team and has been Spain’s undisputed number one since Luis Enrique’s tenure as national coach. The current PSG manager recently praised him during a Champions League visit to San Mamés: “I have great affection for Unai… we took a risk with him and he’s a goalkeeper who could play for any team in the world.”
Joan García, just 24, joined Barcelona from Espanyol this season and has shown remarkable development. However, he’s yet to break into the national team picture and likely won’t do so - at least as a starter - until after the World Cup. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who knows both keepers from youth categories, has firmly backed Simón, with whom Spain have won both the Euros and Nations League.
World Cup implications
This goalkeeper duel carries extra significance with the World Cup on the horizon. Simón appears set to remain Spain’s first choice in their quest for a second World Cup trophy unless something goes seriously Pete Tong. García, meanwhile, is building his case for future international consideration.
Wednesday’s clash at KASC Stadium marks the second meeting between these sides this season. The first encounter in November ended with Barça putting four past Simón through goals from Lewandowski, a Ferran Torres double, and Fermín López.