Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
Wojciech Szczesny was pivotal for Barcelona of their 1-4 victory in opposition to Sevilla, and it seems that he’s changing into a talisman for the staff.
The Polish goalkeeper made a number of key interventions whereas the match was nonetheless tied at 1-1, earlier than his teammates killed the tie with targets within the second interval.
After having come beneath scrutiny after changing Inaki Pena because the No. 1 goalkeeper, Szczesny put in one other stable show in opposition to Sevilla, additional solidifying his place within the staff.
Rising in confidence
In actual fact, Mundo Deportivo studies that the previous Juventus and Arsenal star is rising in confidence with every passing recreation, having not misplaced even as soon as whereas beginning for Barcelona.
Certainly, one of many causes Hansi Flick gave for relegating Inaki Pena to the bench was that, with Szczesny in purpose, Barcelona have but to endure a defeat.
The Polish goalkeeper has now began 9 matches up to now throughout La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Tremendous Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Throughout these appearances, he has conceded ten targets and stored 4 clear sheets (in opposition to Barbastro, Athletic Membership, Alaves, and Valencia in Copa del Rey), with Barça not dropping any.
Szczesny proving his value. (Photograph by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)
These statistics are barely overshadowed by the 4 targets conceded in a single match, which got here within the 4-5 win over Benfica.
Szczesny made some questionable choices that night time, however it’s value noting that he additionally prevented a late purpose by Angel Di María within the 89th minute, a save that was pivotal of their win.
As for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to Sevilla, one notable second got here when Isaac Romero entered the penalty space, however his try was thwarted by a significant save from Szczesny, who dived to clear the hazard.
The 34-year-old additionally made an important cease from a bicycle kick by Dodi Lukebakio, which was heading in the direction of purpose.
Szczesny’s place as first-choice goalkeeper appears unquestionable, with Barcelona already reaching the Copa del Rey semifinals, the Champions League Spherical of 16, and sitting simply two factors behind league leaders Actual Madrid.
