What seemed to be a forgotten debate at FC Barcelona has recently resurfaced with unexpected strength. This conversation revolves around who should guard the goal for the Blaugrana team at this stage of the season: a position in which now the academy graduate Iñaki Peña and the veteran Wojciech Szczęsny are competing.
After the injury of Marc-André ter Stegen that led to the arrival of Szczęsny to provide depth to that position, Hansi Flick decided to grant the starting position to Iñaki Peña, relegating the Pole to the role of substitute. The '25' adopted this role perfectly, preparing in the background to seize his chance and prove that he could be a valid alternative as the starting goalkeeper.
The day came for Szczęsny's much-awaited debut with FC Barcelona
'Tek' had the opportunity to make his debut wearing the FC Barcelona jersey as a starter in the match against UD Barbastro (0-4) in the Copa del Rey. This match was not a great 'benchmark' as the Culés faced a lower-category opponent that did not test him. In response, the Polish goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in that game.
'Tek' stitched together two surprising starts in the 2025 Spanish Super Cup
However, the debate gained momentum during the 2025 Spanish Super Cup, where Szczęsny started due to Iñaki Peña arriving late to the activation session at the hotel before the match against Athletic Club, leading Hansi Flick to uphold his policy of sanctions against tardy players and leaving him out of the starting eleven in the 'semis' against the Basques. 'Tek' did not waste this opportunity and shone in the clash against Ernesto 'Txingurri' Valverde's side.
Despite some doubts in his footwork, Szczęsny showed his worth between the posts with a great performance against the Basques. This performance earned him the chance to play in the final against Real Madrid (2-5), where, unfortunately, he was sent off in the 55th minute for a foul on Kylian Mbappé. Iñaki Peña came on in his place and conceded a goal from an impeccable free-kick by Rodrygo without having played a single minute yet.
Hansi Flick reopens the debate on who will be the starting goalkeeper for Barça, Iñaki or Szczęsny?
This situation has sparked a debate in the goalkeeping department, as while in the upcoming Copa del Rey match against Real Betis it is evident that Iñaki Peña will start due to Szczęsny's suspension, there are not many certainties about who will be the chosen goalkeeper when both are available. Hansi Flick has not clarified this matter in his latest appearance before the media, ahead of the match against the Andalusians.
"The situation has changed in the goalkeeping department. Szczęsny played very well and it was nice to see after the break. He has an incredible mentality and greatly assists everyone, including the goalkeepers. He can play at this level," stated the German coach, leaving open the possibility of the Pole having a greater role in the Blaugrana squad.
The German coach also highlighted Peña's performance against the Merengues in the Super Cup
In addition, Hansi Flick praised Iñaki Peña for his performance against Real Madrid (2-5) in the Super Cup when he had to replace 'Tek' after his controversial sending off: "What I can say is that Iñaki was under pressure, but he showed after the first goal in the first shot that he recovered perfectly. That's the best I've seen."