Szczesny shines again: great match, clean sheet, and extends his unbeaten run

FC Barcelona defeated Rayo in Montjuïc (1-0) to reclaim the lead in LaLiga EA Sports. For the fourth consecutive matchday, Wojciech Szczesny was a starter, keeping his goal clean for the second time in the tournament (both at home) and for the fifth time in ten appearances this 2025. The Polish goalkeeper had a great performance, responding to every attack from a combative Madrid team that managed to complicate things for Hansi Flick's side once again.

Rayo shot nine times during the 90 minutes. Four of those attempts were on target, but the '25' responded with an equal number of notable interventions. The first big save of the night came in the 38th minute, first with a crucial punch against a good cross-shot from Nteka. The rebound was short, and Álvaro was about to score, but the Blaugrana goalkeeper reacted in time to grab the ball, blocking the attempt from the Rayo player.

The visitors claimed a penalty in the action, but Szczesny's stretch was clean. In the second half, the Warsaw native appeared again, clearing a powerful long-range shot from De Frutos that, fortunately, was very centered for the Spanish player. Besides the Polish goalkeeper, the Blaugrana defenders were also very alert at the back to preserve the clean sheet, something that Iñaki Peña has only managed to achieve 4 times in 15 matchdays played. With the '25' on the field, the team has 9 wins and 1 draw in 10 matches.

Flick does not completely close the debate on the Barça goalkeeping position

In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick was once again asked about the debate regarding the Blaugrana goalkeeping position. Although the German coach has repeatedly confirmed the Polish goalkeeper in goal, he surprised on Monday by not completely ruling out any opportunity for Iñaki Peña. The Alicante player, like Jules Koundé, was punished for being late, but his benching, having a competitor of higher level, has lasted much longer.

"We will see... today it was the right decision to put Szczesny in goal. Iñaki has also done a great job and is extraordinary. 'Tek' is doing well and has secured the three points. We have the feeling that we have improved a lot. Today Iñigo was also very important in defense", argued the coach regarding his goalkeepers. Against Rayo, Diego Kochen was once again called up as the third goalkeeper.