Wojciech Szczesny – Barcelona ’s “firefighter” – is back. Last season, sporting director Deco and his friend Robert Lewandowski persuaded him to leave his comfortable retirement in Malaga to replace Ter Stegen.

Szczesny struggled to find his rhythm at first, but once he settled in, he quickly cleared Inaki Pena off the goal. He did not disappoint.

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Szczesny returns to Barca's goal. Photo: FCB

“In the second half of last season, we won almost all the games and won three titles with him,” Hansi Flick emphasized as Barca prepared for the match against Sociedad, round 7 of La Liga 2025/26 .

Since arriving at Barcelona, ​​Szczesny has always been clear about his position. However, he could not hide his annoyance when Ter Stegen tried to regain his starting position at the end of last season.

The arrival of Joan Garcia – a move from Espanyol – has helped to ease some of the issues surrounding Szczesny's role in the dressing room.

“I am a reserve and will continue to be, but I am not disappointed; I know my job is to prepare Joan Garcia. He is a goalkeeper with extraordinary potential, already among the best in Europe,” Szczesny shared.

Since Barca spent money to break the contract to bring in Joan Garcia, Szczesny has always supported his junior.

“It's not good that Joan can't play. Tek (Szczesny's nickname) is back. He's an excellent goalkeeper and a great person,” Flick praised.

Joan Garcia underwent surgery on Saturday, hours before Real Madrid lost 5-2 to Atletico. He will be out for 4-6 weeks.

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Yamal can play the last 30 minutes. Photo: MD

This is the time for Szczesny to continue to bring solidity to Barcelona's defense - as he did last season, when he only conceded 36 goals in 30 games.

Coincidentally, this is an opportunity for Barca to go top of the table. A win over Sociedad – the match that marked the “Blaugrana” return to Montjuic, when Camp Nou was not yet licensed – would help the reigning La Liga champions overtake Real Madrid.

If there are no surprises, along with “firefighter” Szczesny, Lamine Yamal will also return. Flick plans to let the 18-year-old star participate in the last 30 minutes of the match, in order to regain his feeling for the match against PSG next week.

Having taken the top spot in La Liga and taken on PSG in the Champions League, Barca are facing a crucial week for their 2025/26 ambitions.

Force:

Barca: Joan Garcia, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, Balde are injured. Lamine Yamal returns.

Sociedad: Yangel Herrera, Oskarsson, Aritz Elustondo are injured.

Expected lineup:

Barca (4-2-3-1) : Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Araujo, Christensen, Martin; De Jong, Bernal; Roony, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski.

Sociedad (4-5-1) : Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Gomez; Kubo, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.

Match odds: Barca handicap 1 3/4

Goal ratio: 3 1/2

Prediction: Barca win 3-1 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-barca-vs-sociedad-vong-7-la-liga-2446872.html