Fran García
BET
Registers most crosses
Garcia had five crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Feyenoord.
Analysis: Garcia registered the most crosses in the game, created one chance and also made three tackles, three interceptions and a clearance. He has now started consecutive games in the UCL.
Assists opening goal
Garcia assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 win versus FC Porto.
Analysis: Garcia made his first Champions League start of the season after beginning the opening fixture against Lille on the bench, playing the full 90 minutes at left-back. The defender was particularly active defensively, winning four of his five tackles and recording five interceptions to help Betis contain Porto's attacks. He also contributed to the opening goal by combining with Ez Abde, providing the final pass before the winger's curling finish. His strong two-way performance could help him retain his starting position in upcoming European fixtures.
Poised to retain starting role
Garcia played the full 90 minutes in Spain's 3-1 win over the Czech Republic before remaining an unused substitute against Croatia in his first international appearances since returning to the squad.
Analysis: Garcia returns to Betis with a relatively light workload after totaling only 90 minutes during the international break. The left-back had already started five of the club's seven La Liga matches before joining Spain and now has a clearer path to maintaining his place in the XI with Junior Firpo expected to miss several weeks due to an adductor injury. Garcia should therefore be well positioned to start Saturday against Osasuna after also gaining match fitness during his first Spain appearance in three years.
Called up by Spain
Garcia has been called up by Spain for the remainder of the Nations League window following Alejandro Grimaldo's withdrawal, according to the Spanish Football Federation.
Analysis: Garcia joins the squad as additional cover at left-back after Alejandro Grimaldo was forced to leave camp with a thigh issue. The Real Betis defender will compete with Marc Cucurella for minutes in Spain's remaining matches against the Czech Republic and Croatia. Garcia could therefore have an opportunity to add to his international experience before returning to club action.
Cements place at left-back
Garcia has established himself as the first-choice left-back following his summer arrival from Real Madrid, making five starts across six La Liga appearances.
Analysis: Garcia has moved ahead of Junior Firpo in the left-back hierarchy and quickly secured a regular role following his summer transfer. The defender has contributed one assist and five chances created while adding 15 tackles, seven interceptions and eight clearances across his six league appearances. His production at both ends of the pitch should keep him firmly established as the preferred option on the left.
Delivers an assist
Garcia assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 1-0 victory versus Valencia.
Analysis: Garcia came off the bench but that proved to be a good move tactically as the defender provided an assist on Betis' winning goal. Perhaps he could go back into the starting lineup or have a bigger role against a struggling Levante side which has already conceded three goals and gave up 61 in LaLiga last season.
Moves to Betis
Garcia has completed a transfer to Real Betis from Real Madrid, according to his new club.
Analysis: Garcia is on his way out of Real Madrid following the signing of Marc Cucurella, as the defender moves to Betis on a deal until 2030. He is coming off a rotational role with Real Madrid last campaign, only starting in 20 of his 13 league appearances while earning one goal and an assist. He will likely contend for starting time with Betis, with Junior Firpo and Valentin Gomez also bidding for time.
Quiet Sunday
Garcia recorded one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona.
Analysis: Garcia sent in a single poor shot and an inaccurate cross and failed to do much else during Sunday's loss. It was a loss that saw their bitter rivals earn the league title and overall was a day to forget in Madrid. Garcia has three more matches in the league season to try and end the campaign on a high note.
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