Reason why versatile Barcelona star was taken off at half time during Copenhagen win | Barca Universal

"According to Mundo Deportivo, the decision to withdraw the defender was purely precautionary, taken by the club's medical staff and coaching team during a demanding phase of the season. Eric had been one of Barcelona's most active players in the first half. The defender, who started in midfield, came close to opening the scoring with a powerful effort that crashed against the crossbar."

"As such, his night took a turn after taking a heavy hit to the face during open play. The impact left him feeling dizzy, which was a clear warning sign that could not be ignored. After the interval, Garcia did not return to the pitch, and following discussions between the player, Hansi Flick, and club doctors Ricard Pruna and Carles Gomez, the decision was made to substitute him immediately."

"To maintain balance, Flick turned to Marc Bernal, introducing the young midfielder in a role similar to the one Garcia had been performing. Bernal operated as a classic pivot, offering positional discipline and security in the middle of the pitch. His introduction allowed Barcelona to keep their structure intact without forcing unnecessary tactical changes. Bernal wasted little time making his presence felt. Shortly after coming on, he tested the Copenhagen goalkeeper with a well-struck effort from distance."

Eric Garcia suffered a heavy blow to the face during open play and felt dizzy, prompting medical staff to withdraw him at half-time as a precaution. Club doctors Ricard Pruna and Carles Gomez and coach Hansi Flick conferred with the player and decided to substitute him immediately to prioritize player safety. Garcia had been active in the first half, starting in midfield and nearly scoring with a powerful effort that hit the crossbar. Flick brought on young midfielder Marc Bernal to occupy a similar pivot role, providing positional discipline and security while testing the Copenhagen goalkeeper with a long-range effort. Midfield options remain stretched due to Pedri's injury and Frenkie de Jong's suspension.

Read at Barca Universal