Marc-André ter Stegen is back from injury, but he won’t be starting El Clasico.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed Wojciech Szczęsny will remain his first-choice goalkeeper for both the Champions League semi-final against Inter and the upcoming clash with Real Madrid.
The decision reflects Flick’s confidence in Szczęsny, who has been in strong form during Ter Stegen’s absence.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Flick Ditches Reputation for Rhythm
Ter Stegen’s fit, but Flick sticks with Szczęsny. Why? Rhythm, trust, and a winning formula. - Barça’s Stats Back the Gamble
Top scorers, best possession, most offsides forced—Flick’s Barça is built on control, not nostalgia. - Young Guns, Big Stakes
With an average age of 23.4, this isn’t the old guard’s team. It’s Flick’s fearless new Barça.
Szczęsny Gets the Nod—Flick Isn’t Playing It Safe
After Saturday’s tight win over Valladolid, Flick confirmed what many didn’t expect:
“Szczesny will be the goalkeeper on Tuesday against Inter and against Real Madrid.”
No tap-dancing around it. Straight to the point.
This means Szczęsny will start both in the Champions League semi-final and the mother of all matches—El Clasico.
The timing is bold. Ter Stegen returned after five months out, played 90 minutes, and looked sharp. But Flick’s got his mind made up.
What’s Hansi Flick Really Thinking?
This isn’t about who’s more popular or who has the shinier resume. This is about rhythm. Szczęsny has been the starter throughout Ter Stegen’s absence. Pulling him now could rattle momentum.
Flick’s already rotating like a madman—nine changes against Valladolid! He admitted,
“When you make nine changes, it’s not easy for them. They’re young, and I believe in them.”
Flick’s aggressive style is no accident. His high-pressing approach has made Barça La Liga’s possession king with 67.65% on average. Even better, they’ve caught opponents offside 62 times, the most in the league (FC Barcelona).
That level of tactical control can’t happen without trust in your keeper—and Szczęsny has earned that.
Trust Over Titles
Flick’s betting on chemistry over name recognition. Szczęsny hasn’t been flawless, but he’s been steady. The backline knows his voice. The rhythm is there. He’s been in the trenches with them all season.
That defense has held firm, too. Barcelona has conceded just 32 goals in La Liga, one of the best records in the league . And it’s not just defending—they’re scoring, too.
Barça leads the league with 89 goals, showcasing a fluid, fearless attack . Even defenders are in on the act. Flick has unleashed a system where defenders have scored 12 goals and 24 assists this season (Barça Blaugranes).
This isn’t a fluke. It’s a full-system buy-in.
Ter Stegen’s Shadow Still Looms
Let’s be honest—Ter Stegen is still the face of Barça’s defense. He’s saved the club countless times. And in big games, he’s proven.
But Flick isn’t thinking five years ahead. He’s thinking about Tuesday. And Sunday. He’s thinking about dumfries and Mbappe.
This is a call based on flow. Szczęsny is in rhythm. Ter Stegen isn’t. For now, that’s what matters.
Is This a Flick Masterstroke or a Future Headache?
If Szczęsny delivers, Flick looks like a genius. If he cracks under pressure, everyone will say he overthought it.
It’s a bold move, but boldness defines Flick’s reign so far. He’s trusted a young squad—the youngest in La Liga with an average age of just 23.4 (Barça Blaugranes)—and they’ve repaid him.
Now it’s up to Szczęsny to do the same.
Final Whistle
Wojciech Szczęsny will start both the Champions League semi-final against Inter and El Clasico against Real Madrid, as confirmed by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
Marc-André ter Stegen, who recently returned from injury, will remain on the bench for now. Flick’s decision reflects continuity and trust in Szczęsny’s recent performances.
