Barcelona veteran highlights miscommunication in comically conceded goal against Benfica | OneFootball

FC Barcelona can now look back at the game against Benfica with fond memories but had the scoreline panned out the other way, it would have been catastrophic for the Catalan club. Hansi Flick’s men would have been in a totally different narrative at the moment.

For much of the game at Estadio da Luz, Barcelona were trailing Benfica by two goals, only for a late burst that saw them score three goals in the game starting from the 78th minute. It was a comeback for the ages but the scoreline should never have been what it was.

Hansi Flick named a playing XI along expected lines with the only surprise being the including of Wojciech Szczęsny, the Polish veteran shot-stopper at the expense of Iñaki Peña, who has been very impressive so far this season.

Tek, as he is commonly known, had a catastrophic first half against Benfica, although it must be mentioned that he stepped up big time in the second 45. The Polish shot-stopper was at fault for two of the goals that Barcelona conceded on the night.

Among those, it was the first mistake that caught a lot of attention. Szczęsny flew out of his line to try and sweep the ball and ended up tackling his own teammate Alejandro Balde. When asked about this particular instance, here is what the 34-year-old had to say, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo:

“Fortunately, it only cost us one goal, and we still won the match. It was a misunderstanding—it happens. We both went for the ball. I shouted, but Balde didn’t hear me. It was a bit comical, but we ended up with the win.”

Szczęsny also spoke about the penalty that he conceded on the night, admitting that it was a mistake on his part. He said:

“On the pitch, I thought there was no contact, but after seeing the replay, I realized it was a penalty. I acknowledge my error.”

Having played so many years of top-flight football for Arsenal and Juventus, no one needs to be telling Szczęsny that he had a bad half against Benfica. He would be the first one to put his hands up and acknowledge the fact.

It remains to be seen if Hansi Flick continues trusting the Polish veteran as his starting goalkeeper in Champions League matches. An argument can be made that Iñaki Peña suits this team better and let’s wait and see how he goes about it.