"Want him to start every game", "Why were we benching this monster" - Fans hail Barcelona star after 2-0 win over Athletic Club

Fans heaped praise on Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny for his display in their semi-final clash against Athletic Club in Supercopa de España. The match ended in a 2-0 win for Blaugrana on January 8 at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona opened their scoring with Gavi's left-footed shot after being set up by Alejandro Balde in the 17th minute. Lamine Yamal doubled the score for the LaLiga giant from an assist by the 20-year-old Spanish midfielder with a through ball in the 52nd minute.

After announcing his retirement in August 2024, Wojciech Szczęsny returned to football and signed for Barcelona in October on a contract until the end of the ongoing season. Initially, he was chosen to replace first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who sustained a long-term injury (patellar tendon rupture). However, later head coach Hansi Flick mentioned that the Polish would serve in the backup role behind Iñaki Peña.

Szczęsny made his debut for Barcelona in their 4-0 victory over UD Barbastro in Copa del Rey on January 4. During his 90 minutes on the pitch against Athletic Club, the Arsenal graduate made five saves, including one from inside box and two high claims.

Fans took to social media and made posts hailing Wojciech Szczęsny's performance in Barcelona's 2-0 win against Athletic Club in the semi-final of Supercopa de España. Here are some of their reactions from X:

One fan wrote:

"Even if we lose today Szczesny is a better Goalkeeper than Inaki Pena will ever be. I want him to start every game from now on."

Another added:

"Why were we benching this monster keeper?? #Szczesny."

"We need to lock Szczesny in a freezer and make sure he can play for another decade." chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"Greatest backup goalkeeper ever"

Another tweeted:

"Wow. This is why we actually signed him for. Give him a lifetime contract 😂😂"

"The security Szczęsny brings into the Barcelona Defense is too good.🔥 He should keep starting the games slowly." posted another.

One user wrote:

"It keeps his team in the game he is showing why he is one of the best goalkeepers out there."

While another wrote:

"Szczesny was class and very fearless... It looked like he was playing just for vibes and fun... Should be our starting GK (But I would still give him some more game time, Before making him our #1) ..."

Wojciech Szczęsny has contributed to two clean sheets in his first two appearances for Barcelona. Blaugrana have failed to maintain two clean sheets in a row since October 6, 2024.

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Hansi Flick on substituting Lamine Yamal in Barcelona's Supercopa de España semi-final

Hansi Flick explained his decision to substitute Lamine Yamal on the hour mark in Barcelona's 2-0 win against Athletic Club in the semi-final of Supercopa de España. After registering the team's second goal, the 17-year-old La Masia graduate was replaced by Fermín López on the pitch in the 63rd minute.

While speaking in the post-match press conference, Flick addressed Yamal's withdrawal from the pitch while praising his squad's display against Athletic Club.

The German manager said (via Football España):

"We made a great start, but we are a young team and we have to learn things. But this is the way to play. We played very well against Atletico and it wasn’t the best way to say goodbye to the year, but we played very well against Barbastro and today against Athletic, keeping a clean sheet."

Flick further explained his decision to sub off Yamal, mentioning his age and his recent return from an injury as factors he considered. The 59-year-old added:

"I know you’re always looking at Lamine, but we have a team and we have to take care of the players. He was coming off an injury and we had to sub him off after 60-65 minutes."

Along with scoring a goal against Athletic Club, Lamine Yamal made 37 touches and one key pass while having two shots on target and one off target. He has registered six goals and 12 assists in 21 appearances across competitions for Barcelona this season.