The league phase game of Wojciech Szczesny against Benfica did not end well as 2 errors by the Polish keeper led to 2 goals for the Portuguese side. Barcelona were matched with Benfica again in the round of 16 and Szczesny had a chance to redeem himself.
Red card crisis hits Barca again
In the 22nd minute, Pau Cubarsi was sent off for a reckless challenge in hopes of stopping Pavlidis from being through on goal. Barcelona were once again down to 10 men in a UCL knockout fixture as was the case vs PSG last season. To everyone watching the match, it looked like a similar result will now follow. However, Wojciech Szczesny had other plans. The Polish keeper made a record 8 saves throughout the match to deny Benfica any goals and keep Barca in the match. Szczesny’s 8 saves and a clean sheet is a feat not seen since the 2003/04 season by a Barca keeper.
The missing element for Barca’s UCL success?
The biggest flaw in Barca’s European campaign since the treble of 2015 has been the Catalan club’s defending issues. Messi and Co would often secure a lot of goals in the 1st leg games, and it would look like Barca is going to the next round. However, the team would often crumble under pressure in the next leg, particularly the defense and Ter Stegen. The German keeper holds a legendary status at the club; however, it is about time to accept at this point, he has not been the best under European lights. Although it is too early to establish anything, Wojciech Szczesny has proved he can fill in as the missing piece for Barca to go all the way.
