Szczęsny made multiple crucial saves, helping Barcelona prevail even though the Spanish giants played most of the match with 10 men after defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off.
The Polish keeper delivered a standout performance, earning widespread praise from the Spanish media.
Sports daily AS credited Szczęsny as the key factor in Barcelona’s victory, calling his performance "spectacular."
'Wall in goal'
Another Catalan newspaper, Sport, gave him the highest player rating on the team — a near-perfect 9 — while describing him as an impenetrable "wall in goal."
"Szczęsny stopped absolutely everything, making saves with his hands and feet, and handling aerial balls with ease—a brilliant performance," Sport wrote.
Mundo Deportivo, another major sports daily in Catalonia, called it "the best performance by a Barcelona goalkeeper in Europe in recent memory."
Szczęsny joined Barcelona in a mid-season transfer that was initially met with skepticism, as coach Hansi Flick benched Inaki Peña in favor of the Polish veteran.
However, after Wednesday's performance, Sport concluded that "time has proven Flick right" and called Szczęsny's display "simply perfect."
'Tek was fantastic'
Flick himself was full of praise for the Polish goalkeeper.
"Tek (Szczęsny’s nickname in Catalonia) was fantastic,” Flick said after the game. "With every match, he’s gaining confidence. I know he can play at this level because I see him every day in training."
‘My best game is still ahead’
Reflecting on the latest match, Szczęsny said: "It was a strong performance from us, full of character. We showed we know how to win."
However, he insisted his best game in a Barcelona jersey is still ahead.
Meanwhile, teammate striker Robert Lewandowski, a fellow Pole, played until he was substituted in the 79th minute. He did not score. Barcelona's winning goal came from Raphinha.
Barcelona now holds a slim advantage ahead of the second leg, which will be played on March 11 in Spain.
The winner of the tie will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarterfinals.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Sport