Barcelona midfielder Pedri hailed goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny after the veteran produced a stunning display in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Szczesny produced a string of impressive saves as 10-man [Barca ran out 1-0 winners against Benfica in the first leg of their last 16 tie](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2025/3/5/24377905/benfica-barcelona-champions-league-round-16-1st-leg-final-score-match-report-recap-reactions).
Here’s what Pedri made of it all.
> “Last time here Szczesny was not very happy. He has saved us many times. He is very good in goal, he is very big,” he said.
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> “I’m happy with how the game went, but that’s half the work. Now we have to win at home.”
The midfielder also felt his team defended well after losing Pau Cubarsi to a red card in the first half of the match.
> “Despite the early expulsion, we knew how to defend and we took advantage of our opportunities,” he added.
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> “When Cubarsí was sent off, we knew what we had to do. We were calling for a push from Pavlidis beforehand, but I didn’t see the play.”
It’s a great result by Barca, particularly after losing Cubarsi, and gives them the advantage in the tie going into the second leg at Montjuic next week.