Wojciech Szczesny or Marc-Andre ter Stegen?! Hansi Flick makes massive call as he announces who will be Barcelona's Champions League goalkeeper for remainder of campaign

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has ended speculation over his Champions League goalkeeper choice, making a decisive call between Wojciech Szczesny and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. In a recent press conference, the German manager announced that Szczesny would be the starting goalkeeper for both legs of their upcoming semi-final clash against Inter, and would also start the final should Barca progress.

After Ter Stegen suffered a ruptured knee tendon in September 2024, which ruled him out for almost the entirety of the season, Flick relied on second-choice goalkeeper Inaki Pena to come good between the sticks. Barca acted immediately and signed Szczesny in October last year, convincing the former Polish international to come out of retirement. Having waited until January to make his debut, the ex-Juventus and Arsenal man has been utterly impressive. Indeed, the Catalans have lost just once this year in all games that Szczesny has started in. His calming presence, shot-stopping ability, and experience have come to the fore in the most crucial moments of the season.

On the other hand, Ter Stegen only returned to full training late in March and was on the bench for the Copa del Rey final last Saturday. Given that the German goalkeeper was out of action for over seven months, Flick continues to show faith in Szczesny as the season enters its final month.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Flick told reporters: "Szczesny will play in the Champions League, it’s decided. Ter Stegen? We will see about La Liga rotations.”

After beating rivals Real Madrid in dramatic fashion in the Copa del Rey final, Flick & Co. will next face Inter in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, April 30.