Hero 2: Not too bad for a chain smoker and a retired keeper

Life is a miracle, isn't it? If that wasn't the case, Wojciech Szczesny would probably spend this Wednesday night with his family and/or maybe watch Champions League games. On 27 August, the Polish goalkeeper announced his retirement from professional football. Almost two months into his retirement, a sudden call from Barcelona changed everything following Andre ter Stegen's severe injury, and the 34-year-old custodian came off the retirement to help Hansi Flick and his side until the end of the current season as a reserve keeper. Alas, life had different plans again.

He impressed in his maiden appearance for the Blaugrana a few days into 2025, and ever since, he has been Flick's first choice between the sticks. Last night in Lisbon, Flick's decision proved more than right, as Szczesny performed spectacularly.

He made eight saves and was the Man of the Match as ten-man Barca survived the Lisbon cauldron to win thanks to Raphinha's second-half winner. The game was brought to a halt on a couple of occasions, and once due to smoke coming from the flares in the stands. Some witty fans took to social media to make a joke of it by saying that Szczesny enjoys that sort of atmosphere, actually, since he's been a chain smoker for years.

Remarkable Szczesny and brilliant Raphinha award ten-man Barca with a win

Coincidentally or maybe not, yet the Polish keeper was brilliant, saving his team in several crucial situations, keeping a clean sheet just like his Liverpool colleague Alisson. Interestingly, those two were together at AS Roma back in the 216-17 season.