Barcelona Faced Unexpected Challenges in Securing Semi-Final Spot
Despite entering the second leg with a comfortable four-goal lead, Barcelona faced a surprisingly tough challenge from Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League quarter-final clash. Dortmund, eager to mount a comeback, surged ahead 2–0 and nearly turned the tie around. However, a costly own goal dashed their hopes, even though they managed to score a third later in the game.
The intense atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park added to the difficulty for Hansi Flick’s squad, who struggled under pressure and were forced to adopt a more cautious approach.
According to Spain’s El Nacional, this match — Barcelona’s first loss of 2025 — highlighted cracks in the team. Several players appeared fatigued and underperformed, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny facing heavy criticism. His performance, marked by conceding three goals and giving away a penalty, did little to inspire confidence. While he had shown promise in matches against Benfica and Leganés, his inconsistency remains a concern.
Szczęsny, currently filling in for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, is not viewed as a long-term solution. Despite coach Flick valuing the veteran keeper’s experience, doubts persist over his reliability during high-stakes matches.
As Ter Stegen nears recovery, there is increasing support within the club for his return, especially if the team reaches the Champions League final. While Robert Lewandowski stands firmly by his fellow Polish international, believing Szczęsny deserves to keep his place, most of the squad reportedly favor reinstating Ter Stegen. Many believe Flick will eventually align with that sentiments
