'Birthday Boy' Szczesny hopes for a gift against Celta
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 19.04.25. | 14:09
The Pole, who yesterday turned 35, suffered his first loss with Barca last Tuesday against Dortmund, but still was one of the best in Hansi Flick's team, showing that age is just a number for him
Wojciech Szczesny ages like a fine wine. A year ago, he was ready to retire. Then Barcelona appeared, giving him another shot, and he used it to the fullest. Yesterday, the Pole turned 35, but that won't stop the Catalans from extending his contract, as that's almost a done deal.
Since arriving in Catalonia's capital, he's been some sort of talisman for Hansi Flick's crew.
With Szczesny in goal, Barca have been undefeated for 22 games straight. They did fall short against Borussia Dortmund last Tuesday, but still progressed to the Champions League semi-finals, while the experienced goalie was the best player on the team.
🇵🇱 | Another strong display!
— Sofascore Football (@SofascoreINT) April 15, 2025
Wojciech Szczęsny v Borussia Dortmund:
🧤 8 saves
📥 6 saved shots from inside the box
✋ 1.31 Goals prevented
✈️ 2 high claims
📈 8.0 Sofascore Rating
He may have suffered his first defeat with Barcelona, but he was still their standout player on… pic.twitter.com/OF6N3PuRJY
In 23 games, he conceded only 21 goals and kept as many as 12 clean sheets, and even though he's recently given almost all the credit to Barca's defence, his role is immense.
After all, one of the best Italian gaffers, Fabio Capello, recognized Szczesny's impact and pointed it out when speaking to Sky Sport, slamming Juventus for giving up on the Pole too easily.
"Juventus didn't understand the value of this player. They treated him like a pensioner, and they made a mistake because he's still a top player. Szczesny shows impressive calm; he's a leader," Capello said via Mundo Deportivo.
Today, Barca await Celta (17.15), as their race with Real Madrid for the La Liga title continues and a victory - with a clean sheet, if possible - would undoubtedly be the best birthday gift for Szczesny.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 32
Friday
Espanyol - Getafe 1-0 (1-0)
/Kumbulla 39/
Saturday
15:00: (2.35) Rayo Vallecano (3.15) Valencia (3.25)
17:15: (1.30) Barcelona (5.90) Celta (9.00)
19:30: (1.88) Mallorca (3.35) Leganes (4.50)
22:00: (6.25) Las Palmas (3.90) Atl.Madrid (1.57)
Sunday
15:00: (4.80) Valladolid (3.60) Osasuna (1.85)
17:15: (1.75) Villareal (3.70) Sociedad (5.40)
19:30: (2.10) Sevilla (3.00) Alaves (4.20)
22:00: (1.70) Real Madrid (4.00) Ath.Bilbao (4.75)
Monday
22:00: (2.95) Girona (3.40) Betis (2.55)
***odds are subject to change***
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