Szczesny and Cubarsi share their thoughts after Atletico Madrid win – ‘They were exhausted’ | OneFootball

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny may not have been able to keep a clean sheet against Atletico Madrid, but he continued his impressive unbeaten streak with the team.

Despite conceding goals, Barcelona managed to turn the game around in the final moments, securing a crucial victory that keeps their momentum strong as the season progresses.

Reflecting on the match, Szczesny acknowledged that the result was unexpected for most of the game.

Until the 70th minute, it seemed unlikely that such a dramatic turnaround would occur. However, football is an unpredictable and often ruthless sport.

“Until the 70th minute of the game, no one expected such an ending, but football is a very cruel sport.

“It was clear that Atletico’s players were exhausted in the last minutes, and in this cruel sport, you have to be bold and take your chances.

“We managed to do that today and we’re very happy, although I can’t hide the fact that I feel some human sympathy for the opponent today,” he said (h/t FCB World).

The turning point

Wojciech Szczesny is still unbeaten with Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

When asked whether Robert Lewandowski’s goal was the turning point for Barcelona, Szczesny agreed that it played a vital role. The Polish striker’s finish was a moment of brilliance, executed with perfect precision.

However, what made the difference was the immediate response that followed. Being two goals down against a team like Atletico Madrid, known for their ability to shut down games, could have been discouraging.

“He helped us a lot, it was a beautiful goal by the way, he received the ball perfectly, he hit it, and it was a great goal by all accounts.

“Here we don’t get too affected when we concede a goal, because we don’t consider it to be a big blow to us.

“We always realize that every goal we concede simply means we have to score one more to make up for it, regardless of who the opponent is,” he added.

Pau Cubarsi speaks

Defender Pau Cubarsi also shared his thoughts after the thrilling encounter.

From an outsider’s perspective, it may have seemed like an exciting game full of goals, but for the players on the pitch, it was a demanding and mentally exhausting battle.

“From the outside, it looks like a fun game because there are a lot of goals, but inside the pitch, you suffer a lot and yet, we managed to get the win and come back in a difficult game, and we’re very happy.”

Jersey swap?

Pau Cubarsi was delighted with the win. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

When asked if he would have liked to take home the jersey of any Atletico Madrid player, Cubarsi admitted that while every player on the opposing team was of high quality, he might have chosen Pablo Barrios, given their connection as teammates, or perhaps Robin Le Normand as well.

“No, all Atletico players are great, but maybe I would have chosen Barrios because he’s my teammate or Lou Normand as well.”

Regarding the significance of this victory, Cubarsi stressed that every match is important, especially in a league where any team is capable of taking points.

“All games are important, any team can do well and snatch points from you, but since we’re competing for the top spot, and Atletico Madrid are also a strong team at the top, beating them at home is a very important three points.”

Still unbeaten in 2025

Barcelona remain unbeaten in 2025, a feat that the players take pride in. Cubarsi emphasised the importance of maintaining this rhythm and continuing their strong form until the end of the season.

“Yes, we have to continue like this. We’ll try to keep this rhythm, we’re in a good dynamic, and hopefully, we will continue like this until the end of the season,” he noted.

If they can keep up this momentum, they stand a great chance of achieving their objectives and securing silverware.