Barcelona’s dramatic comeback against Benfica secured their direct qualification to the Champions League Round of 16. However, the match revealed significant flaws, with the team conceding four goals and delivering a subpar performance during the first 70 minutes. Amidst the overall criticism, one player bore the brunt of the blame, casting doubt on his future in the squad.
As reported by the Spanish outlet El Nacional, Wojciech Szczesny faced heavy criticism for his performance. He conceded a penalty and was faulted for another goal due to a poorly timed exit from his line.
This poor showing came on the heels of his previous error in the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, where he received a straight red card. The backlash from teammates has intensified, with many urging manager Hansi Flick to exclude him from the lineup.
Szczesny’s struggles have reignited debate over Barcelona’s goalkeeping rotation. Iñaki Peña, who has recently been in outstanding form, is widely considered the more reliable option. Peña’s consistent performances have erased any doubts lingering from the previous season, solidifying his claim as the rightful first-choice goalkeeper.
Many within the team, including players Dani Olmo and Rafinha, have reportedly called for Szczesny to be sidelined for the remainder of the season, citing his declining form and the negative impact on the team’s performance.
The situation has cast serious doubt on Szczesny’s future at Barcelona. Reports suggest that his tenure in La Liga may conclude by the summer, mirroring his earlier retirement in 2024 before being unexpectedly recalled by Flick. The criticism following the Benfica match only underscores his unsuitability for the current squad.
Ironically, despite not featuring in the Benfica game, Iñaki Peña emerged as the key beneficiary of the controversy. With Szczesny’s position in jeopardy, Peña is now expected to cement his role as Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper in upcoming matches.
His ascent reflects both his individual brilliance and the growing consensus within the team regarding Szczesny’s decline. This shift signals a potential turning point for Barcelona’s goalkeeping hierarchy as the season progresses.
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