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.He was retired and now he will sign a new contractWith 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!Wojciech Szczęsny v Borussia Dortmund:🧤 8 saves📥 6 saved shots from inside the box✋ 1.31 Goals prevented✈️ 2 high claims📈 8.0 Sofascore RatingHe may have suffered his first defeat with Barcelona, but he was still their standout player on… pic.twitter.com/OF6N3PuRJY— Sofascore Football (@SofascoreINT) April 15, 2025 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 32FridayEspanyol – Getafe 1-0 (1-0)/Kumbulla 39/Saturday15:00: (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)Sunday15:00: (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)Monday22:00: (2.95) Girona (3.40) Betis (2.55)***odds are subject to change***
