Barcelona veteran likely to start over academy graduate in Super Cup final vs Real Madrid

One of the biggest questions surrounding Barcelona’s lineup for the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid on Sunday is who will start in goal.

The Blaugrana manager, Hansi Flick, has to choose between Inaki Pena, who has been the regular starter in goal since Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s long-term injury and Wojciech Szczesny, who featured in their last two matches.

Decision made?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Wojciech Szczesny is emerging as the leading candidate to take the spot over Inaki Pena in the Barcelona goal, following an excellent performance in the semi-final against Athletic Club last Wednesday.

Szczesny, who joined Barcelona as an emergency signing, made his debut on January 4 in a Copa del Rey match against Barbastro, where he kept a clean sheet.

He followed up with another strong showing in Jeddah against Athletic, demonstrating why he might edge out Pena for the final.

Earlier today, Flick confirmed that the La Masia graduate’s absence in the semi-final lineup was due to him being late for a training session on the day of the game. And given the opportunity, Szczesny made the most of it.

Indeed, the veteran Pole left a significant impression against Athletic Club in a match far more demanding than his debut against Barbastro.

The former Juventus man displayed exceptional composure and reliability. He was sharp in his shot-stopping and exuded confidence in playing out from the back – a crucial attribute for Barcelona’s style of play, which often leaves large spaces behind the defence.

Szczesny managed these challenges without complications, solidifying his case to start in the final against Real Madrid.

As such, as things stand, the former Arsenal and Juventus star appears set to start his third game in a row for Barcelona.