A Night to Remember in Lisbon
Barcelona’s Polish goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, was the unsung hero of their 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League last 16 first leg on February 21. The match, played in Lisbon, saw Barcelona down to 10 men early after Pau Cubarsi’s red card, but Szczesny’s brilliance between the posts helped them hold on to their lead. Raphinha’s goal in the 27th minute set the stage, but it was Szczesny’s multiple saves that ensured Barca’s slender advantage. Despite the Spaniard Pedri being named man of the match, Szczesny modestly claimed he merited at least "half" of the accolade. His self-effacing comment was quickly echoed by Pedri, who insisted his team-mate deserved the entire award. Szczesny, now 34, has become a crucial figure for Barcelona, joining the club in October on an emergency basis when first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffered a severe knee injury. His performance in Lisbon was a testament to the resilience and skill he has brought to the team.
From Retirement to Reunion
In a remarkable turn of events, Szczesny returned to professional football after retiring in August 2024. He had agreed to terminate his contract with Juventus and was enjoying a new life in Marbella, often seen on the beaches and golf courses of the southern Spanish city. "In September I was retired from football and I was enjoying my life on the beaches and golf courses of Marbella," Szczesny wrote on Instagram in January, reflecting on his journey. However, Barca’s dire need for a reliable goalkeeper after ter Stegen’s injury led to his unexpected return. The decision to come out of retirement was not taken lightly, but Szczesny’s passion for the game and his sense of duty to his new team drove him to accept the challenge. His reintroduction to the sport has been nothing short of a comeback story, filled with moments of both adversity and triumph.
Early Challenges and Rapid Improvement
Despite his vast experience, Szczesny’s early days at Barcelona were not without setbacks. In the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, he was sent off, admitting it was a "bad decision" that cost his team. Later that month, he committed two glaring errors in a thrilling 5-4 group stage win over Benfica. These early wobbles could have derailed his confidence, but Szczesny’s veteran demeanor and determination quickly shone through. He has since shown significant improvement, with Barca winning 12 of his 14 appearances and drawing the other two. His eight clean sheets and overall calmer presence on the field have bolstered the team’s defensive resilience. Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, has maintained unwavering faith in his goalkeeper, recognizing the value Szczesny brings to the team both on and off the pitch.
The Coach’s Perspective
Hansi Flick’s decision to back Szczesny over Inaki Pena after ter Stegen’s injury was a calculated move. Flick, known for his astute assessments of player potential, observed Szczesny’s performances during training and saw something special. "When you watch players in training, you get a feeling, I discuss it with my staff, I see how the players work and what level they can reach," Flick explained on Friday. "It was clear to everyone that Szczesny could reach this level. We all knew it. I make the decisions, but I talk with my coaching staff." Flick’s trust in Szczesny was rewarded with the goalkeeper’s outstanding performance against Benfica. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves has been instrumental in Barcelona’s revival, especially during a period when the team was struggling with inconsistency.
A Steadfast Team
Szczesny’s return has not only provided Barcelona with much-needed stability in the goal but has also bolstered the team’s overall morale. The Catalans had a disastrous end to 2024, suffering four defeats in seven league games and losing their La Liga lead to Atletico Madrid. This downturn in form could have shaken the confidence of the players, but Szczesny’s consistent performances have helped steady the ship. He has started every Barcelona match in 2025, barring two, one of which was due to his suspension after the Super Cup final. Pena, who had initially filled in for ter Stegen, did not inspire the same level of confidence among the defenders. Flick’s decision to stick with Szczesny has been vindicated not just by the results but by the team’s renewed sense of security.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona are firm favorites to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after their first-leg win over Benfica. The return leg at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday will see Benfica pushing hard to overturn their deficit. Szczesny, ever the professional, remains focused and optimistic. When asked if his performance in Lisbon was his best for Barcelona, he coolly responded, "It is still to come, don’t worry." This confidence and humility are typical of the Polish veteran, who has shown that he is more than capable of handling the pressure of major competitions. The winner of the tie will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals. For Szczesny and Barcelona, the road ahead is challenging, but with his recent form, they are well-positioned to continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.
