Barcelonas Eric Garcia forced off after Rodri collision against Valencia

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was unable to continue after being injured in a collision with team-mate Rodri during the first half of their Spanish Championship match against Valencia.

The incident happened following a corner, when Garcia and Rodri collided in one of the penalty-area challenges. Rodri immediately apologised to Garcia after the contact, but the defender was unable to carry on.

Jules Kounde was brought on as Garcia’s replacement, with Barcelona making the change before half-time. The injury meant Garcia’s involvement in the match ended earlier than expected after the clash with his fellow Barcelona player.

Barcelona went into the interval leading Valencia 2-0. The Catalan side are seeking a victory that would take their points total to 12, while Valencia began the match with one point and currently occupy 18th place in the table.

The match is being played in the Spanish Championship, with Barcelona holding the advantage at the break despite Garcia’s withdrawal. The circumstances of the substitution provided the main concern for the home side after the team had established a two-goal lead.

Rodri’s immediate apology followed the collision, which occurred as Barcelona defended a corner. There was no suggestion in the incident that the contact was deliberate, but Garcia was nevertheless unable to resume playing and was replaced by Kounde.

Barcelona’s second-half task is now to protect their 2-0 lead and complete a result that would move them to 12 points. Valencia, meanwhile, are attempting to recover from their difficult position near the bottom of the standings, having taken only one point so far.

Detailed text coverage of Barcelona’s meeting with Valencia is available through the live-match link on the LiveResult.ru portal.