Luis García decided to take a risk. The UD Las Palmas coach indicated that Sergio Barcia should be available for the second leg of the LaLiga access playoff semi-finals, this Wednesday, against Málaga, in La Rosaleda.
The Galician centre-back, who hasn’t played since the beginning of May because of a micro-tear in his right biceps femoris, trained normally and left a good feeling. For the Asturian coach, the moment calls for boldness.
“Barcia entered and had good sensations. If there are moments to rise, maybe it’s now”, declared Luis García in the press room. The phrase summarizes the importance of the defender for the yellow team in the final stretch of the season.
UD Las Palmas lost the first leg 1-0 at the Gran Canaria Stadium, with a goal from David Larrubia. Now, they need to reverse the score away from home to continue dreaming of returning to the elite of Spanish football. Barcia appears as the trump card for this mission.
The experienced 25-year-old defender, trained in Celta Vigo’s youth teams, has reinforced the yellow defense since the middle of the season. His presence not only gives more consistency to the defensive sector, but also improves the team’s ball flow, something that was lacking in the match against Málaga’s organized pressure.
Without Barcia, Mika Mármol was more exposed and the Canarian team had difficulty progressing. The Galician’s return could change this scenario and provide more offensive options from the defense, especially in a duel that requires intensity and precision over the 90 minutes.
The islanders’ season could be defined this week. After a year of ups and downs in the Second Division, Las Palmas reaches the round with the pressure of an adverse result, but with the confidence of someone who has already shown their ability to react throughout the campaign.
Barcia could be the difference in La Rosaleda
The Málaga stadium must be full and pushing the home team, who are playing with the minimum advantage. For Luis García, counting on Barcia represents a last-minute “fichaje”, an internal reinforcement that can balance the forces in a direct confrontation.
The central defender has already demonstrated throughout the season his importance in big games, contributing both in marking and in construction. His recovery at the right time could be the missing ingredient for Las Palmas to seek a turnaround and keep the goal of access alive.