Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and midfielder Pedri have paid tribute to Wojciech Szczesny after the veteran goalkeeper made several saves as his side beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Barca lost Pau Kubarsi to a red card for a last-ditch challenge in the opening 22 minutes but held on until Rafinha scored the decisive goal midway through the second half. Pedri’s

90-minute display in midfield earned him UEFA’s Man of the Match award, but he credited the 34-year-old team-mate with his performance.

“Szczesny deserves it. The last time he was here he wasn’t very happy, but today he helped us a lot. He’s big and made great saves,” Pedri said.

“Despite being down to ten men from the start, we knew how to defend and take our chances to score. When Kubarsi got the red card, we knew what to do. “

I’m happy with the result but the job is only half done. เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย Now we have to go home and win,”

the Polish goalkeeper said. “My best performance has not come yet. Today I liked the save in the 25th minute… Pedri got the award, but I think I could have divided it in half.”

German boss Hansi Flick praised his players: “Today we had a good goalkeeper who played an excellent game. We defended as a team. I am happy with Szczesny. “

It is clear that Szczesny has changed now. He has confidence in every game, while we defend better. I know that Szczesny can play at this level, because I see him in training every day. “

The red card for Kubarsi is a mistake that can happen in football. I am very proud of my players. We are in a good position, but in football anything can happen. I know that the second leg will be difficult.