A roundup of the top news stories from the goalkeeping world between the 19th and 26th of January.
A night to forget for goalkeepers in Champions League classic
On Tuesday night, a Champions League game for the ages played out as Barcelona beat Benfica 5-4 right at the death. However, despite some amazing individual moments throughout the game from the likes of Raphinha and Pavlidis, both goalkeepers came under fire.
Firstly, Wojciech Szczesny and Alejandro Balde collided, leaving the Benfica striker with an open goal which he took gleefully. Eight minutes later, Szczesny committed a foul which led to a penalty which was buried by Pavlidis for a thirty-minute hat-trick.
Benfica were in cruise control but then their number one, Anatolii Trubin, played an attempted pass out from the back that went straight off Raphinha’s head and into the back of the net which swung the momentum in favour of the Spanish side. Barcelona ultimately won the game in the last minute to cap a game off that had everything.
Will Robert Sanchez remain as Chelsea number one?
Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has admitted he doesn’t know if Robert Sanchez will remain his starting goalkeeper next season and beyond. Sanchez has faced criticism since he joined the Blues, and arguably hasn't found consistent form over a longer spell since his arrival.
When asked about Sanchez's form before the Manchester City clash, Maresca said he was ‘Far from where I want him to be'.
The Chelsea boss admitted Sanchez was ‘getting better’ but refused to back his goalkeeper further as the long term number one.
Asked about the jeers Sanchez was subjected to by his own fans in recent outings, Maresca said it wasn't ' good for his confidence, but also Robert is a professional who has to learn to deal with that kind of moment.
‘It’s experience for him. He has to improve also to deal with that kind of moment during a game at home where the fans, for any reason, are not happy. He has to manage that moment.'
Ederson equals Premier League assist record
In Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday just gone, Ederson played the lovely weighted pass into Erling Haaland which led to Norwegian's 68th minute goal. It was the Brazilian’s fifth assist in the Premier League, sixth in all competitions for City, and seventh overall.
The assist sent him level with former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson now jointly holds the Premier League record for goalkeeper assists with Ederson. Robinson achieved this feat in 374 matches, whilst Ederson has reached the milestone in just 265 games - over 100 less.
Keylor Navas joins new club
Former Real Madrid and PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas joined Argentinian side Newell's Old Boys on a free transfer earlier this week.
The 38-year-old Costa Rican goalkeeper, who recently retired from international football, has not played since the end of his stint in Paris last May.
He was jubilant in returning to club football, saying 'Thank God we are returning to the pitch,' on his social media accounts. ‘I feel ready, willing and very happy to take this new challenge.’
Newell's, Lionel Messi's boyhood club, is based in Rosario, 300 kilometers (186 miles) northeast of Buenos Aires.
Schmeichel extends Celtic stay
Celtic number one Kasper Schmeichel has signed a new contract to stay with the club until 2026.
The Denmark international signed to replace Joe Hart following the Englishman's retirement at the start of the current season and agreed a one year deal.
Schmeichel saved a crucial penalty in Celtic's Premier Sports Cup final shootout win over Rangers in December, adding another trophy to his collection. He has kept 20 clean sheets in 34 appearances so far this season and will remain in Scotland for an extra year.
