Spanish media have hailed Wojciech Szczęsny’s performance as “perfect” during Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday. The Polish goalkeeper played a crucial role in securing the win for his team, which was reduced to ten men after defender Pau Cubarsí received a red card.
“Barcelona’s victory would not have been possible without Szczęsny’s spectacular performance,” commented the newspaper “AS.”
The Catalan newspaper “Sport” awarded Szczęsny the highest rating in the team – a 9, which is close to perfection. “Szczęsny stopped absolutely everything, intervened with his hands, feet, and defended high balls. A capital performance,” justified “Sport.”
Best Barcelona Goalkeeper Performance in Europe
“This is the best performance by a Barcelona goalkeeper in Europe in living memory,” added the newspaper “Mundo Deportivo,” another major Catalan sports daily.
“Sport” described Szczęsny as a “wall” in Lisbon. The newspaper recalled that the Polish goalkeeper’s “emergency” transfer initially raised many doubts, and coach Hansi Flick’s insistence on choosing him over Iñaki Peña was criticized.
“However, time has shown that Flick was right. Szczęsny fully deserved his place between the posts. His performance was simply perfect,” added the newspaper.
Flick Praises Szczęsny
“He was fantastic. With each match, he is more confident. I know he can play at this level because I see him every day in training,” said Flick after the match, who did not spare praise for the Pole.
“It’s a great victory,” added the German coach.
His team also took three points from Lisbon in the group stage of the Champions League. However, Szczęsny conceded four goals in that match and did not have a successful performance.
“It was a good match from us, with character. We showed that we know how to win,” assessed the Polish goalkeeper after Wednesday’s match, adding that his best performance in the Barcelona shirt is yet to come.
“Pedri won the MVP award for the best player of the match, but I think half of it should go to me,” joked the Pole after the match.
Lewandowski Without a Goal
Robert Lewandowski did not score on Wednesday. He was on the pitch until the 79th minute, after which he was replaced by Gerard Martín.
Barcelona secured a minimal advantage before the return leg, which will be played on March 11 in Spain. The team that advances will face the winner of the tie between Borussia Dortmund and Lille OSC in the quarterfinals.