Barcelona’s goalkeeper order was thrown into sharper relief during the second half against Racing, when Wojciech Szczesny came on for Joan Garcia and then endured a costly mistake in his first appearance of the season.
Barcelona see Szczesny replace Garcia before Racing error
The change arrived after the interval, with Szczesny having spent much of half-time warming up. Joan Garcia had not appeared to be carrying an obvious injury during the opening 45 minutes, although television pictures showed the Barcelona goalkeeper slipping in the final passage of play before the break.
Hansi Flick later said Garcia had felt discomfort in his knee. The substitution was made as a precaution rather than because of an apparently serious problem, but Barcelona will now assess whether the goalkeeper from Sallent can be ready for Saturday’s trip to Seville.
Szczesny’s introduction also offered an indication of Flick’s current thinking in goal. Following the signing and registration of Dominik Livakovic, the 31-year-old Croatia international had been widely expected to operate as Garcia’s principal deputy, with the 36-year-old Pole seemingly third in the pecking order. Against Racing, however, Flick selected Szczesny.
The veteran’s seasonal debut went wrong in the 65th minute. Receiving a return pass, Szczesny chose to take control of the ball rather than clear it or move it on quickly. Racing forward Zabiri pressed him, won possession and scored for the Cantabrian side.
Szczesny immediately acknowledged responsibility, raising an arm towards the Barcelona supporters in apology after the Moroccan attacker’s goal.
SEO Title: Barcelona goalkeeper concern as Szczesny error follows Joan Garcia substitution
SEO Description: Joan Garcia was replaced at half-time with knee discomfort, while Wojciech Szczesny made an error for Racing’s goal in Barcelona’s match.
