Szczęsny’s mistake reopens Barcelona’s goalkeeper debate as Livaković waits

Barcelona beat Racing 7–2, yet the evening still produced an uncomfortable question for Hansi Flick. Wojciech Szczęsny’s error for Racing’s second goal has reopened the discussion about the club’s goalkeeping order, particularly while Joan García is waiting for a full assessment of his knee problem.

ONE ERROR CHANGES THE CONVERSATION

Szczęsny replaced Joan García at half-time after the first-choice goalkeeper felt discomfort in his knee. The Pole then made a clear mistake in the move that allowed Racing to reduce the score to 4–2. It did not threaten Barcelona’s victory, but the timing ensured that the incident would not be dismissed as a harmless footnote.

Flick publicly defended the 36-year-old, stressing that any goalkeeper can make a mistake. He has not announced a change in the pecking order and still regards Szczęsny as his No. 2. For now, talk of a demotion remains media analysis rather than a club decision.

LIVAKOVIĆ IS NO LONGER JUST EMERGENCY COVER

Dominik Livaković now gives the story an extra dimension. Barcelona signed the Croatia international late in the transfer window and kept him with the first team instead of allowing him to join Fenerbahçe on loan. According to “AS”, that decision suggests the 31-year-old was not recruited merely to fill a place in training.

There is no confirmation that Livaković has moved ahead of Szczęsny. However, his presence means Barcelona have an experienced alternative if Joan García is unavailable or Flick decides that competition for the back-up role should become genuine. The coach’s next selection could therefore reveal more than any carefully worded public statement.

BARCELONA CREATED ITS OWN DILEMMA

Szczęsny’s contract expires on 30 June and “AS” reports that this is expected to be his final season. His leadership, personality and experience remain valued inside the dressing room, so one mistake should not erase the reasons Barcelona wanted him in the squad.

It has nevertheless changed the tone around the position. A comfortable win should have closed the evening without drama, but Barcelona’s three-goalkeeper arrangement has turned a single error into a debate about hierarchy, succession and trust. The club now awaits Joan García’s diagnosis while Livaković’s role looks rather more substantial than simple insurance.