BARCELONA, 10 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Barcelona hold a narrow advantage over Benfica ahead of their Champions League last 16 second-leg encounter on Tuesday, and much of the credit belongs to goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
While Pedri was officially named man of the match in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory in Lisbon last Wednesday, the Polish shot-stopper jested that he deserved “half” of the trophy. Pedri himself admitted that Szczesny’s heroics were instrumental in securing the win.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper will have another opportunity to showcase his abilities at the Olympic Stadium, as Benfica will be forced to attack in search of a comeback.
With Barcelona reduced to 10 men following Pau Cubarsí’s early red card in the first leg, Szczesny made several key saves to preserve his side’s slender advantage after Raphinha’s first-half goal.
It was arguably his finest performance since arriving at Barcelona in October as an emergency signing after first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury.
“He is fantastic, he helped us a lot—that is his job, we cannot deny it,” said Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
From Retirement to Redemption
Szczesny, formerly of Arsenal and Juventus, had announced his retirement in August 2024, terminating his contract with the Italian club and settling into a relaxed lifestyle in southern Spain.
“In September, I was retired from football, enjoying life on the beaches and golf courses of Marbella,” Szczesny recalled in a January Instagram post after helping Barcelona win the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
However, his return to top-level football has been far from smooth. The goalkeeper was sent off in the final of that competition against Real Madrid after making what he admitted was a “bad decision.” Later that month, he endured a torrid evening in Barcelona’s thrilling 5-4 Champions League group-stage win over Benfica, committing two costly errors.
Despite those setbacks, Flick remained steadfast in his belief in the veteran, and Szczesny has since repaid that faith with a series of assured performances.
A Key Figure in Barcelona’s Resurgence
Since his arrival, Szczesny has played 14 matches for Barcelona across all competitions, with the team winning 12 and drawing the remaining two. He has recorded eight clean sheets, showcasing greater composure with the ball at his feet compared to his early struggles.
His stability in goal has been a key factor in Barcelona’s recovery following a disappointing conclusion to 2024. The Catalans had suffered four defeats in seven league matches, surrendering their lead in La Liga and slipping behind Atlético Madrid before the winter break.
Szczesny has started every Barcelona match in 2025, barring two—one due to suspension following his red card in the Super Cup final.
Inaki Peña initially stepped in for the injured Ter Stegen and performed well, but he did not fully convince the Barcelona coaching staff that he was the long-term solution.
“When you watch players in training, you develop a sense of their potential,” Flick explained on Friday. “I discuss it with my staff, observe how the players work, and assess the level they can reach.
“It was clear to everyone that Szczesny could perform at this level. We all knew it. I make the decisions, but I consult with my coaching staff.”
Flick’s decision was vindicated by Szczesny’s commanding display in the first leg against Benfica. However, the goalkeeper remains unfazed by the praise.
When asked whether it was his finest performance for Barcelona, Szczesny responded coolly: “The best is yet to come, don’t worry.”
Barcelona in Pole Position, But Benfica Not Done Yet
With a first-leg advantage and home support, Barcelona are strong favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, where they would face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille.
However, Benfica have a history of overturning deficits in Europe and will travel to Barcelona with nothing to lose. The Portuguese side will likely take an aggressive approach, knowing an early goal could change the entire complexion of the tie.
For Barcelona, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity, with Szczesny once again expected to play a pivotal role.