After the match against Borussia Dortmund… a large number of Barcelona players are directly asking coach Hansi Flick to drop one of their teammates from the starting lineup in the upcoming stage, while Lewandowski strongly defends the player!

Barcelona may have sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, but their narrow escape at Signal Iduna Park left more questions than answers within the dressing room. The Catalans went into the second leg against Borussia Dortmund with a seemingly unassailable 4–0 advantage, yet they barely held on as Dortmund mounted a fiery comeback.

The Germans surged into a 2–0 lead within the first half, shaking the Spanish side’s composure and reigniting hopes of an improbable turnaround. Although Barcelona were eventually spared by an own goal that halted Dortmund’s momentum, the performance revealed glaring weaknesses—particularly in the defensive third.

One player who came under intense scrutiny was veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. Tasked with filling in for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, the Polish shot-stopper failed to inspire confidence in a high-pressure environment. His performance, marked by hesitation and poor decision-making, included conceding three goals and giving away a penalty, which fueled criticism both internally and externally.

According to El Nacional, several Barcelona players privately approached coach Hansi Flick after the match, voicing serious concerns about Szczęsny’s ability to perform in the crucial stages of the competition. These conversations were reportedly direct and emotionally charged, as the players fear a similar display in the semifinals could end their Champions League dreams.

Despite having showcased moments of brilliance in earlier fixtures—most notably against Benfica and Leganés—Szczęsny’s inconsistency has led many within the squad to question his place in the starting eleven. While Flick and his coaching staff have lauded his experience and composure in less intense matches, the latest outing may have tilted the balance of trust.

Interestingly, not everyone is ready to turn their back on the 34-year-old goalkeeper. Robert Lewandowski, Szczęsny’s national teammate and one of the team’s senior figures, has come out in strong support of the under-fire goalkeeper. Lewandowski reportedly urged his teammates to remain united and avoid turning Szczęsny into a scapegoat.

“Wojciech has saved us many times before,” Lewandowski is believed to have said, according to insiders at the club. “He deserves our backing, not our blame. He stood tall when others doubted him in the past, and he’ll bounce back again.”

Lewandowski’s words carry weight in the dressing room, but even his influence may not be enough to reverse the tide of opinion. Multiple players, including some of the team’s most vocal leaders, are already lobbying for Ter Stegen’s return as soon as he’s medically cleared.

The German goalkeeper has been sidelined for weeks due to injury, but his recovery has progressed steadily, and club doctors are optimistic about his return ahead of the semifinals. For many at the club, his return cannot come soon enough.

Ter Stegen is not just viewed as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper; he is seen as a pillar of stability and a calming presence in the backline. His communication with the defense and his ability to initiate play from the back are critical elements that the team sorely missed in Dortmund.

As Barcelona look ahead to the next phase of the Champions League, Flick finds himself at the center of a delicate situation. The German tactician must now balance player sentiment, medical realities, and tactical needs, all while preserving team harmony in a critical period.

Internally, the club management is leaning towards reinstating Ter Stegen once he’s fully fit. Sources close to the board believe that keeping Szczęsny between the sticks for the semifinals would be an unnecessary risk, especially given the quality of opposition waiting in the next round.

Yet Flick is known for his loyalty to players and may be reluctant to discard Szczęsny so quickly. He understands the psychological impact such a move could have on team morale, particularly if Lewandowski sees it as a betrayal of his compatriot.

Nevertheless, the pressure from within the squad is mounting. For a team with ambitions of lifting the Champions League trophy, any hint of vulnerability—especially in goal—can be fatal. The message from most of the players is clear: they trust Ter Stegen to lead from the back when it matters most.

The dressing room rift, while not yet explosive, could grow if results falter. Flick’s upcoming decision may not just shape the outcome of their European campaign but also test his leadership in one of the most sensitive moments of the season.

For now, the squad remains united in their goals, but the unease is palpable. Szczęsny has a short window to regain trust—whether in training or in upcoming La Liga fixtures—otherwise, the writing may be on the wall.

The situation highlights the brutal nature of top-level football. One bad night, especially on the biggest stage, can undo months of good work. And for Szczęsny, Dortmund may be the match that changes everything.

As Barcelona prepare for their semi-final battle, all eyes will be on Hansi Flick’s next lineup sheet. Will loyalty prevail, or will pragmatism take over? One thing is certain: the decision could define Barcelona’s European destiny.